We are working our way towards using almost the entire back area of our property for our annual gardens. I’m up to six 4′ x 16′ beds and three 4′ x 40′ beds, along with some irregular beds along the drainage ditch. Those are being planted with perennials, including bananas, cassava, tannia and other bits and pieces. I’ve also marked off one more 4′ x 40′ bed but have not dug it yet. Here are some recent update videos.

When the beds are all done, we’ll have over 1,000 square feet in production. There are more rocks and some trees to the back of the land, so I’m not sure how much more space I’ll be able to cram in for annual gardening there, but I’m going to push as far as I can. When I reach the canopy of the trees, I’ll plant more coffee, as it likes the shade.

In the main beds so far, I’ve planted tomatoes, okra, pak choi, kale, cauliflower, bell peppers, edible leaf hibiscus, longevity spinach and some cassava. Later in the year some of those beds will be converted to yams. The time for yam planting is April/May, so I have time to grow multiple vegetables before then.

Thus far, I am quite happy with our progress. It’s good to be back on my own land.