So far I’ve learned that soil is classified based on its particle size. Sand has the largest particles, then silt, then clay. It makes sense now that clay is so hard to work with as a soil, because the particles are so tiny and packed together. That’s what makes it so heavy.

Living in Florida, of course my soil is mostly sand. We were asked to post pictures of a cross-section of the soil where we live this week. Here’s mine:

Rich soil that is good for growing should have several layers. Mine only has a very thin top layer, an intermediate layer of roots, and then pure sand. The top layer is the only soil worth growing in, which is why I have to either amend my soil or build raised beds and buy soil for them – which is what I’ve been doing.

Soil texture is important for water management, and of course sandy soil drains very quickly. Sometimes that’s good, but it also means that plants need more water, as the soil doesn’t stay moist.

Next we’re going to test the texture of our own soil. I’m pretty sure what my results will show!

I did have a good carrot crop this year, and I have four loaves of carrot bread in the freezer now. But that was the only crop this year. Right now there’s nothing growing, as July is just too hot to grow anything here in FL. I want to plant potatoes in the fall. Right now I think one crop at a time is all I can manage.

I have eight years left to retirement, when I intend to be a full-time gardener and a part-time writer. I’ve been thinking about the best approach to the garden until then, and I’ve decided to concentrate on building my infrastructure – all the raised and in-ground beds I have planned, rain barrels for my gutter downspouts, and some new tools – while I can still afford the supplies. After retirement my income will be reduced, of course, but I’ll still be able to afford seeds!

Right now, I need to pull some weeds.

Here’s what the bean sprouts look like this morning. They’ve grown an inch in two days. Amazing.

I have seeds! Now that vacation is over and fall is nearly here, it’s time to start thinking about planting. I have to get the beds ready – I need compost and new soil. And I have to cut back the overgrowth of the lawn that is creeping up the sides of the raised beds. I’m going to put the cherry tomatoes in a container and hope for the best.

Yesterday we were in Stromness, and walked past a beautiful veggie garden tucked into a tiny back yard. Someone had really put a lot of work into it. It’s very inspiring. And it has inspired me. I missed a whole spring season of gardening this year, and I have a lot of catching up to do. I want to get serious about cleaning up the front yard and getting flowers planted. I want to eventually have edibles in front too, but for now flowers are quicker and easier and prettier.

I already have some seeds at hand at home. I know I have a packet of yellow carrot seeds and there are three others – probably some lettuce and cabbage. I ordered Chinese long beans and more lettuce just the other day and the seeds will be waiting for me when I get home. I’m going to get in all my supplies first then have a big planting day when I’ve got all my soil improved. And I’m going to get pots of flowers for the front yard first, then start digging out the weeds and planting things in the ground.

I have a dead bay tree to get taken down, and I want to plant a couple of live oaks to give the house more shade and protection.

There’s a lot to do! But first I have another week of vacation.

Complete with heather: