Experimental garden & In ground garden I Currently have a few different gardens growing. The first one I will show is the normal garden that is doing quite well. My Gardens are all amended with compost, peat moss, Epsom salt, worm castings, rockdust and a few other organic fertilizers I always aim to provide the best possible produce for my family, so I look for OMRI cert label or things I know that are natural. This first Garden has been going about 4 years and has been re-amended every year, its 16ft x 11ft. This is the family garden as we all help with it. ![SAM_0140.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmaHak9WBjbD5mxMWJ5bv6qKnxCdRkJromyj8debtKCTqd/SAM_0140.JPG) The decor was added by my wife parents, they are great! The pinwheels actually seem to be keeping the birds away as intended as well.
![SAM_0139.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmPf6otxUC1tM7nAdBSmSwgMnMqAxBrEx1nw3nj94GAEAE/SAM_0139.JPG) I decided to use these cattle panels as trellis because of a youtube video I watched, the link is at the bottom of this page. ![SAM_0137.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmZQmHAEciASKoyNLBfmToEZHgZxtPTL1T8sDGjGesL9Zz/SAM_0137.JPG) Winter squash (far left), Peppers, Zucchini, far right is tomatoes
![SAM_0141.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmSe7mgG7wvYxDPgkFhYm51acSK5KVdJS4KbUz3kKpBVte/SAM_0141.JPG)

Experimental Garden ![SAM_0124.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTFWuWF1VFEVpzM79RFjHby9L59cNH1zwSoYz7ri2zFyF/SAM_0124.JPG) In front on the ground is my version of Larry Halls "Rain gutter system" even though it uses a 4 inch PVC pipe instead of a rain gutter. Some might even call it an SIP or self irrigated planter. ![SAM_0127.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmaJykUBYMjH1xqQHzQ3VXPpoVw5DLaKzo2pCP3S16NGK5/SAM_0127.JPG) These tomatoes were planted at the same time as the ones in the photos above in my traditional garden. clearly they are about double the size.
![SAM_0126.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVYUPhngNX65Eb2jVs7SaCCLz8pZsrryx8AEGZ8wKCkgr/SAM_0126.JPG) This plant is a squash, I am not sure if its actually a winter squash or pumpkin. My seeds got mixed up when the ink ran off the plastic name tags. I guess I will know in a few months haha.
![SAM_0125.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTz9HGk8MBMyRio54W2NwuzPDSHesqYdrJ3NYmsGZ6mJK/SAM_0125.JPG) Three green pepper plants
![SAM_0129.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmeFGTKLny58ZXThXtZBbSyRzUnZDsHJaZ39umQWEkuBP8/SAM_0129.JPG)
![SAM_0131.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmUPhd4vLLczWDH8QkmgdTb7EFGtzJMcs4dgUawBpLnTSU/SAM_0131.JPG) Float valve for when it gets connected to a rain water barrel.
![SAM_0133.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmdutfrExYDxaZb794cFAZednCn8C1HvNHxGyWTj8FJy4X/SAM_0133.JPG) The Cover for the float valve is just another 4 inch pvc pipe with a portion taken out so it can snap over the other pipe. This keeps bugs, debris and light out to keep the water reasonably clean. I am amazed at how fast this self watering planter "Rain gutter system" is letting the plants grow. I think if my only consideration was how fast they grow it would be a clear winner. The only down side is the soil buying organic soil, vermiculite and peat moss as a base for these massive bags adds up really quick.
links to where I got some of my Ideas: Potting soil mix youtu.be/PTdFAqzVT_0 Ground cover fabric youtu.be/QFytZs38BqM Cattle panel trellis youtu.be/9RPLtYpWkg8

markcampbell