Yesterday's grueling task was to tack down the lovely fake grass carpet on my porch. What's the point of screening it in, if there are openings between the slats on the bottom??? Plus I love feeling like I'm on a golf course lol...it took nearly 150 nails and some sore knees, but I got it done. :) This frugal project is a source of pride for me, here's the breakdown:
Wood: $45
Stain: $23
Hardware: $21
Carpet: $33
Screen: $27
The total including taxes was $149 and my budget was $150. This porch is so UN-level and crooked...it was a real pain to get this done, honestly, the frustration of having a level door not fitting because the whole porch is crooked was challenging for me! But I worked with what I had and I'm so happy it's done. I mentioned in the comments last time that if this were my property, I'd have invested in better wood and likely have torn the entire porch down, extended it and done it properly! But I have to say it was a wonderful experience!! :)
Today we had a bit of warm weather and some pockets of sun, so it was transplanting day. My container garden is moving along nicely. I'm relieved to get the lettuce and spinach into bigger pots! On the left are my spring onions. They only took up half the big pot so I planted more seeds in the other half.
I have three areas that I dug up for my veggies and this is the first one. The two extra pots in the front are newly sown lettuce and spinach seeds. I decided I'm not taking a chance with the curious Blue Jays and grackles...everything will have a chicken wire cover. This is just a temporary one, when the sun goes away, those black flies swarm so I wanted to get something quick done. Next sunny day I'll make a proper fence and chicken wire top.
I also transplanted my beets and planted new seeds in half the container. I took care of the crops that could tolerate cooler nights for now.
This is what's left of my seedlings, not including the herbs. Peas, pumpkins and three varieties of tomatoes. These will come in at night for another week or so until the nights stick to 15 degrees and up. Tomorrow I have to shop for containers and get some more soil!
I also transplanted my two little pots of chives that I got last summer. They were the only plant that lasted through the winter in my window. Now they have lots of room to breathe, those old pots were way too small.
And all of my herbs are on the "herb shelf" now! :) I planted more herbs in the green pots in the front so I'll have a nice supply all summer :)
That lime green hanging pot is my strawberry plant from last summer...I saw a wee little bud, so I'm hopeful! I even moved my laundry line over so it wouldn't get in the way of the new screen door...I did a lot of work and I feel great about it! I honestly never though I'd get all this done in a week, but the container garden is well on its way, my porch is done...
Now it's RAIN TIME....Alex is sleeping, and much better I'm happy to report! :) I can finally enjoy sitting on my porch without getting eaten alive; with a glass of wine, a book and my fur kids by my side! :) Oh happy days! :)
You are a wonder! What a lot you got done and good construction to boot. Who says women can't do what needs to be done?? You should feel very proud of yourself.
ReplyDeleteAnd, my goodness, your plants are coming along so very nicely. They all look great. All this experience is going to be priceless when you and Alex move to your own homestead.
Isn't all this learning and practical experience fantastic? Love reading about and seeing all the progress.
But . . . but . . . where are you going to sit on the porch? Looks to me as though Jack has claimed the only chair!
Hi Mama Pea!!! :) Yes, Jack had me sitting on the floor lol...Actually he was itching to get down and get back to his raw hide bone, so I re-claimed my lounge chair!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I am VERY proud of myself for not only my ability and stamina, but also for my desire to learn how to do it. Especially with a wonky shaped porch! I'm certainly reaping the benefits right now! The black flies are despicable at the moment...
I'm so happy about my seedlings, but I guess they are full-fledged plants now! It feels good to have gone some transplanting done and some planted for the next round too! You know, my amateur-ness is teaching me some lessons...I counted my tomato plants...I have 19 to transplant...eegad, what was I thinking? Of course I will use them or can them, but that's a heck of a lot of termater plants!!! When I was planting the seeds, I figured...well, if I plant 6-8 per pot, then I can be sure that at least a few will grow in each one...THEY ALL GREW!!! I have some good seeds!!!
You have done a really nice job, you will enjoy it this summer!
ReplyDeleteCome on down and build one for us! Ha! We almost used artificial grass once on a project but didn't because we weren't sure how it would look. Now that I see yours, I LOVE this look!!!
ReplyDeleteYou did such a great job on your porch. I love it! I wanted to try container gardening this year, but I was afraid the heat would kill the plants. It was 105 today! God bless you! (Carol in Phoenix, Arizona)
ReplyDeleteGood thought on the chicken wire. I am going to have to up my game next year in this department - the birds have had at my grain more than once.
ReplyDeleteHey, I just bought the exact same fake green grass for my balcony! Looks good, eh?
ReplyDeleteLook at you go!! you'll be a full fledged homesteader in no time at all. Cooking with all those fresh goodies will be your best reward. Please have a glass of wine for me too.
ReplyDeleteThe porch looks great. Glad you got it all done. We've talked about screening in one of our porches, but just haven't had the time yet. I don't think it will be the front porch either. We like it open.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you. You accomplished so much in so little time.
ReplyDeleteOMG! That looks totally lush and cozy! Well done you! I would never have the patience to do that. I get frustrated quickly and if things don't line up that would tip me over the edge. Good for you for sticking it out and getting it done. Love the grass carpet!
ReplyDeleteAll your little plants look incredibly strong! I planted everything last weekend - I will take pics and send them to you. I took a chance with getting everything planted but so far nothing looks like it won't make it. I hope they all do.
I tossed some 4 o'clock seeds into the ground yesterday....I hope to see some little green things sticking out of the ground in a couple of weeks. I love the smell of those - and nicotiana.
I hope you enjoyed that glass of wine - you totally deserved it! Maybe one more just in case ;)
Have a good day,
Dianna
What a glorious little space you've created! And look at your garden! Honestly, you are the most determined and creative girl! Is Jack going to share that chair with you? :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Gill! :) Last summer I used whatever we found in the old shed and it was a mediocre system, this summer, I won't have to sit with my fly swatter at the ready!
ReplyDeleteLol 1st Man! :) NO WAY...my carpentry work is done for this summer! ;) I LOVE the fake grass...there are a few types, this one is more of a turf, it was the cheapest so that's the one I got. I really wanted to get the one that actually looks like grass, but it's plastic...not so sure about that. I'm curious to see how long it lasts with all the canine wear and tear. We put some up 2 summers ago on the upstairs veranda and so far it's doing well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol! :)) Oh gosh, 105...you know I kind of envy that right now! It's only 12 out today, which is mid 50's. Have you thought about shade cloth? I've never used it myself though.
ReplyDeleteThanks TB! :)) The chicken wire is so inexpensive, but I didn't realize how sharp it can be, eek, I got poked a few times! It came in handy. Overnight, Alex heard scratching outside in the area where my lettuce was...maybe some rabbits or raccoons. I have to strengthen it so it's inpenetrable!!! :)
ReplyDeleteOh Debra, that's great! I love it, and yes, it looks awesome :) Some people have varying opinions, but it really reminds us of the old cottages here in the Laurentians. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna! :)) I will have at least one more glass on your behalf :) I really can't wait for the veggie garden to be ready for harvest! This is a very exciting time for me. :))
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristina! :) Well, Alex really wanted me to wait, but time wasn't on our sides. The black flies are intolerable in the mountains...and they are out now so I knew I had that one week to get it done or I'd really be suffering! I don't know that I'm allergic to their bites, but they swell up so badly on me. I do wish I could have the porch open though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Starting Over! :) I was determined and I'm so glad it's all done. It was a lot of work! :)
ReplyDeleteOh thanks Dianna! :)) You wouldn't have enjoyed this project if you get frustrated quickly...I see the merit in having the right tools...but the budget was so frugal this year. We're definitely going to invest in lots more tools when we buy our place though. It makes it less frustrating if you have the right tools that's for sure. I do love that grass carpet! Canadian Tire, $5.29 a foot here.
ReplyDeleteI had to look up 4 O'clocks...they're so pretty! I have yet to start my flower seeds...those will wait for the first week of June too, when I start the second round of pumpkins in the ground. I have my Moon Garden all planned! :) I'm very pleased with the gardening so far, my plants really are healthy and I'll be honest, I kind of winged it this year.
I'll have a glass of wine for you too! :))
Thanks Susan! :)) Determined was the word of the week, that's for sure. Creative by necessity lol...I love my space! I'm thinking now I want to put up a few shelves for candles at night too. Jack is my little angel, so he's always welcome on that chair with me :)) The huskies would be too if they weren't such big girls!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Rain, Congratulations on getting your porch done. What a great place to relax. Love the picture of the dog in the chair. He looks right at home like it is his! your pots of plants look great. Nice looking green pots. Do you start all your things from seeds? I do some but I tend to be impatient when it comes to flowers. I want instant bloom! Nancy
ReplyDeleteYour porch looks awesome. Jack seems to have settled in nicely. I love the carpet. Great great job. Also bravo on the process on your garden. I planted sone strawberries yesterday and tiday I threw some seeds into the ground...i hope i will see some green coming up soon :)
ReplyDeleteLooks great! Both porch and garden. Glad to hear Alex is doing better. Being sick really takes it out of a person.
ReplyDeleteYour porch looks wonderful, love the carpet/grass and you certainly deserve to sit back and enjoy ALL your accomplishments! So glad Alex is feeling better and your seedlings all look so healthy...you are an amazing woman!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy! :)) That is Jack on MY chair, well, what's mine is his, I have no choice in the matter lol...yes, all of those plants were started as seeds in my only sunny window in April. They grew much faster than I expected to be honest! This is my first attempt at a big garden from seed. The packages always said to plant indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. I started most of these 4 weeks before last frost and they're ready to be transplanted already. I'm really impressed by the quality of seeds I got this year that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteHi Nik :)) Thanks! Jack is very happy as long as I don't "make him" go outside in the yard if I'm not velcroed to his side. Funny...he reminds me so much of my pugs, I'm so happy with him, all the aggression is pretty much gone in him, yay! :) I hope your strawberries thrive! I bought strawberry plant seeds from Veseys. I'm just waiting for the warm weather to plant them outside in a pot, and I'm hoping the old plant comes back to life too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Leigh! :) I wish I had Dan's skills, but I think that I'm on my way to learning some good lessons! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks again Sam! :)) My body is still a little sore though...but every ache gives me pride lol! :)
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