21 tons of topsoil

The Kid and I went out to our fenced dog run this morning, and measured. See, Hubby and I talked it over and instead of creating a veggie garden area, we're going to use the already-fenced-in dog run as the barnyard, small orchard, veggie garden, and relaxing area (with a swing and picnic table and maybe later an outdoor kitchen). I think we'll call it the "backyard" even tho there's a whole other acre beyond that.

But the "soil" in the dog run/backyard is mostly sand, with old dog poop and toys sprinkled in with weeds. There is 1 fir tree, 1 tree that we think is birch, and the septic system cover. The fence is only 4 feet high but won't take much at all to add some height to the wooden posts and more chicken wire.

We measured and I've come to the conclusion that we need 21 tons of top soil. That's $27 per ton so $567 plus $160 delivery fee. Ouch!

Maybe we can just buy enough potting soil in bags for the veggie garden and fruit trees. 30 bags at $9.50 each is close to $300. Better. Then we'll give the goats and chickens and rabbits a chance to change our sandy soil to something better with time and lots of... er, fertilizing.

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Now that I've figured out where things will go ... all mapped out down to the last square foot ... I've started tomato seeds, cabbage, broccoli and bell peppers! A few herbs and flowers too. Oh, and spinach and buttercrunch lettuce.

My favorite part of gardening? Besides harvesting and eating, it's hands-down seeing the little seedlings first burst out of the dirt. Can't wait!

I wonder if I can plant the peas just-inside of the fence yet. If it isn't raining tomorrow, I will.

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A nearby lady responded to my craigslist ad for pallets. She has 10... maybe more, and is willing to part with them for free! Ah ha! We might get the other chicken coop and the goat pen built on time after all!

She lives in the closest town to us, and has raised goats, chickens and more for many many years, having just switched from dwarf nigerian (what we're getting) to alpines. Her chickens even include the two we're getting (australorp and auracana). Can barely wait to meet her on Saturday as she is very willing to talk about our common interests and give pointers.