Wild Squirrel Acres

Plans:  Budget/Shopping list: Air Pruning Bed Part Amount Cost/Piece Total Untreated Douglas Fir 2"x10"x8' 2 $15.15 $30.30 3'x10' 1/4" Hardware Cloth 1 $24.13 $24.13 4' Untreated lath bundle (50) 1 $19.98 $19.98 3 1/2 " screws 1 $5.98 $5.98 1 1/2" screws 1 $1.28 $1.28 Staples 1 $6.97 $6.97 Pedestals - Cinder Block 4 $1.12 $4.48 $93.12 Cover Cage Untreated Pine 1x2x8 (furring strip) 4 $1.77 $7.08 Wildlife netting, 100'x7' 1 $19.98 $19.98 $27.06 Total Cost $120.18 Note, this is the cost for the 1st bed. You will have leftover hardware cloth, screws, and lath, so the 2nd bed will be less expensive. We chose douglas fir, since it is more rot resistant as compared to untreated pine. Cedar would be best, or even black locust if you have access, since these woods are more rot-resistant. Whichever wood you choose, just make sure it is untreated to avoid having chemicals leach into the soil. After reviewing videos on YouTube, like: Twisted Tree

Last year, we had trouble finding seed potatoes, so I made sure to plan ahead and sprout our own this year. There are some advantages to purchasing seed potatoes from a reputable source, such as reducing your risk of disease, but sprouting your own potatoes is very easy and much less expensive. Select an organic potato. Conventional potatoes are typically treated with a chemical to inhibit sprouting, which is not your goal here!  "Chitting'" potatoes basically involves allowing them to sprout. This gives you a head start once you put them in the ground, which is especially important for colder climates that have a shorter growing season! Giving space for each potato as they are sprouting allows good air flow and prevents molding. An old egg carton is perfect for the job! Just place one potato per cup in an upright position.  I keep them in the dark basement to allow slow, gradual sprouting. You can remove the weaker sprouts and encourage the stronger sprouts to grow.  I