yyyyyyyyeah! that's the kind of shit i like to see!





(shit, here, being used in its alternative sense of "awesome stuff")

Is there a garden update?

How long have those condos to the right been there in that first picture? I've only been to Electrical once, about five years ago, and I don't seem to recall them. I don't really remember what was there but I'm pretty sure it wasn't those things.

Edward wrote:How long have those condos to the right been there in that first picture? I've only been to Electrical once, about five years ago, and I don't seem to recall them. I don't really remember what was there but I'm pretty sure it wasn't those things.

Wierd isn't it? I hadn't been there for a year, and when I came back I actually drove by the place entirely cause it didn't make sense. And then they tore down the building on the other side of it, so I passed up a year later again. wtf?!

electrical is the building directly below the 've' of the belmont ave. text on that map. its the rectangular building with the black top. the picture is a few years old. on this picture, to our west (or left on this map) there is a vacant lot. there are now condos built on that land. the building just to our east (right on the map) has now been torn down and is a vacant lot awaiting condos to be built. anyway, i think thats where we are.

If it's within budget, you all ought to beautify the exterior of Electrical Audio. Paint it, perhaps? And what's been done with that dank lot next door? I was in Chicago last year and I happened to drive past EA and noticed the lot. Anyone own that patch of land?

matthew wrote:If it's within budget, you all ought to beautify the exterior of Electrical Audio. Paint it, perhaps? And what's been done with that dank lot next door? I was in Chicago last year and I happened to drive past EA and noticed the lot. Anyone own that patch of land?

http://www.electrical.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2071

kerble wrote:

matthew wrote:If it's within budget, you all ought to beautify the exterior of Electrical Audio. Paint it, perhaps? And what's been done with that dank lot next door? I was in Chicago last year and I happened to drive past EA and noticed the lot. Anyone own that patch of land?

http://www.electrical.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2071

Ah more condos huh?

Revived! Now under new management (me), I've been calling it the "Electrical Agricultural Project".

Last year I started growing some Cinnamon Basil in a small pot by the window. Since it sprouted and lasted until winter, I decided to plant again this year, along with catnip, parsley and bell peppers.

Also taking another stab at the lot out back. The plan is to keep it mainly a spice garden for the time being. If things turn out well, there's room to expand next year.

First off, I yanked out the huge, tree-like weeds, and most of the medium-sized ones. Here's what was left:




Pulled the rest of the weeds, pulled out the last few years' worth of broken glass, telephone wire, nails, broken glass, rocks, metal chunks, cigarette butts, broken glass, a guitar pick, and some chunks of coax cable.

Took one of those 3-pronged thingies (treble fork? I can never remember what they're called), turned up a few inches of soil, and picked out more rocks, concrete, broken glass weeds and a busted crackpipe. Then I hand-sifted the soil and yanked out more rocks and broken glass. The soil is not pure by any means, but it's in much better shape than it's been in a few years.

Here's a nice view of some stuff I picked out of there:





Planted seeds for the following: jalapenos, cinnamon basil, parsley, spearmint, and the left over bell pepper seeds from earlier. Everything is planted in rows. Will probably formulate a plan to keep squirrels, rabbits, etc. out of the garden eventually (I've been reading previous suggestions). For now, I just want everything to sprout.

Finally, not having a green thumb in the slightest, I called my dad for planting advice. He suggested peat moss. What I didn't catch, apparently, was that he suggested mixing the peat moss with topsoil. Instead, I sprinkled it on top of the existing soil. Apparently, my way was better than no peat moss at all, so we'll roll with it. You can see the patch in the middle where I planted everything:




There's still room for more stuff to plant/transplant later. I didn't want to get too crazy with it until I know something will grow there.

To get this thing up-to-date, here's today:



Nothing too exciting. A few weeds and cigarette butts have sprouted. But then again, the potted plants I have just sprouted a little yesterday (I'll add pics later), so I'm just going to play the waiting game for a while.

PS - I have no idea why these pictures are sideways and upside down. I've used 3 different editors and they still show up wrong. Oh well.

Jon, this is fantastic. I wish only the best for your spices and veggies. In fact, come August when I move to Logan Square, I insist that you allow me to consume them. This may not be what is best for your vegetation, but it is what is best for feeding my face.

Are they running out of things for you to do there? If you need a constant gardener, I'm a phone call away. I can be your constant gardener.