Garden - Starting Seeds Indoors

I started some seeds this week. I have tomato big beef and Ssuper sweet 100s. I have never tried to grow tomato's indoors before so, we'll see if I can do it successfully. I mixed the potting soil in a bucket with water and let it set overnight. It should be moist, but not wet. I use plastic or foam cups to get them going. I compact the soil so it's nice a firm and then use a pen to make a hole the desired depth. I use a golf T for tiny seeds like broccoli, and Brussels Sprouts. I also punch a few holes in the bottom of each cup so excess water can drain off. For now I have them on the kitchen table. It's warm by the window and light isn't needed for germination but, warmth is. I also, planted zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and cucumbers.

Garden Tractor Disk Harrow - Progress 4

More progress on the harrow. I made a couple of changes. The tool bar is now hinged to the tongue so it will pivot. I tried to keep the design as simple as possible. This will allow the disks to be angled upward for hilling (see the last photo). I found a video of a similar setup on a larger tractor. It does a nice job of hilling potato's. Since I have a smaller Garden Tractor I drive between rows rather than over the top.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJXs9iODXQg

Changes for the Disks Harrow

I have been incredibly busy. But, have managed to get a little done. Starting planting seeds inside yesterday. I'll try and get more details up tomorrow. I have also been giving the disk harrow a little re-think. I may make some changes. I might have the opportunity to pick up a 60's Allis-Chalmers garden tractor. In doing a little research on the said tractor, I found a picture of the disk harrow made for the early Simplicity, and Allis-Chalmers garden tractors.The design has given me something to think about.

This design uses the same disks gangs as I have. It is built not only to adjust the angle of the disks to the ground. But allows the tool bar to be tilted forward. This would allow the outer disks to ride higher and the inside disks to dig in. A set up like this would be very desirable for hilling potato's when the plants are larger, and making raised beds. I have everything I need to make the change. But, I'll think about it for a couple of days. I hope to have time on Saturday to work on it. AH

Wheel Hoe - Finished

Here's the finished Wheel Hoe. I'll give myself a pat on the back for this one. It looks great. I'm looking forward using it. I think it will save a lot of time. Oh! Look the snow is gone. Temps in the 50's today. :)

Garden Tractor Disk Harrow - Progress 3

Made some more progress on the disk harrow for the Garden Tractor. I re-enforced the tongue with angle iron welded to the back of the tool bar and, under the tongue on the front side. I wanted the keep the bar as open as possible so the clamps can be positioned along the bar to accept other implements if desired. I decided rather than building a frame to accept cement blocks for weight I would just use a weight I made for the front of the tractor that I rarely use. (Tractor progress - 5, April '10) It's made to slide in a receiver. I added the tabs so the weight can be set on top, and held in place with a pin. This will also make it easy to remove. The disks need to be cleaned up and painted then it will be complete.

I have notice a number of Google searches for building a Garden Tractor Disk Harrow. I have watched for a small used Sears, or Brinly harrow for sometime. Unfortunately in my area they are not plentiful. I was lucky and these disks were part of a "lot" I bought last fall. They are 12" tall and are in excellent condition. I have included a photo below that shows how they are held together. Instead of bearings they use oak carriers that go around a 1" rod and are held in place by clamps. It's simple but works fine. I am going to replace the wood on these since they are weathered. I will also add grease fittings. I added links in the side bar for Agri-Supply which is a good source for parts (Look under tillage), and Brinly who manufactures Garden Tractor implements. AH

Light Stand - Finished / Indoor Seeds Arrived

Finished the light stand. Just in time the seeds to be started indoors arrived with the mail today. I hope to get them planted in containers by weeks end. I have Supersweet Cherry's, and Big Beef tomato's. I had ordered a grape tomato as well, but it was discontinued. I wish they had just substituted another variety rather issuing a credit. I am also starting Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Straightneck yellow, and Zucchini squash.

Garden Tractor Disk Harrow - Progress 2

I got some work done on the tongue, and hitch for the disk harrow. It needs some bracing where the tongue meets the tool bar. My schedule is full this week so I'm not sure when I'll get to work on it again. We are having another snow storm this evening. It's dropped about 6" in the last couple hours, and is still coming down. AH

Building Disk Harrow for the Garden Tractor

I'm putting together a disk harrow for the Garden Tractor. I pick up these disks last fall cheap. I believe they are from and old David Bradley walk behind tractor. They are 12" in diameter. I will mount them on a steel bar with clasps. I want to be able to adjust the angle of the disks from +20 to -20 degrees. It will be 38" wide to match the width if the tractor. I will build a tonge and hitch to fit a standard garden tractor sleeve hitch. I want to make the tonge long enough that it will follow the tractor through the sharpest turns without making contact with the rear tires. This will also make it possible to be pulled with a ATV as well. Most small harrows need extra weight to dig. I'll make a tray on top so weight like cement blocks can be used. Well time to get busy. AH

Building a Light Stand

Another project I started is building a simple light stand to start plants indoors. I have tried starting plants inside from seed with only limited success. The biggest problem is the stems will grow long and spindly trying the reach the light source such as a nearby window. This make the plants a target for failure. So I decided to try using a fluorescent light that can be adjust above the plants and be raised upward as they grow, until it's warm enough to move them outside. The goals is starting good strong plants that will survive. The light I have to work with is 48" long and two lights wide. A shorter wider light might be a better choice for space reasons. But I'm working with what I have. The stand will be made from old bed rails. With a little cutting and welding I have found old rails to have many uses. In the photo below you can see I have cut the necessary pieces to get started. Hope I can find some time this weekend to work on it. I can start the indoor seeds six week prior to the last freezing temperature. April 17th is the average last frost for my area. AH

Building a Wheel Hoe Progress - 3

I got the attachments for the Wheel Hoe put together. A 6" furrower, a sweep for weeding, and the tines for cultivating the soil. Now it just needs to be cleaned up, painted, and the handles water proofed. When the snow melts, and the ground is thawed out I'll post some photos of it working. More snow on the way for the next three days. Will spring ever come. AH : (