Welcome to Martha’s Tiny Tree Farm!
This little farm consists of items that I paid absolutely nothing for. The three pots? Found them by the curb. A neighbor was offering them to whoever wanted them.
The dirt and the mulch? From my yard.
The tree seeds? Their pods fell off my two ironwood trees. I let the pods dry, then I broke them open and extracted the seeds.
Now that they’re planted and sprouted, I give the seedlings a drink at least twice a week. We’re still having triple-digit daytime highs, and that’s why I’m watering so often.
In the fall, I’ll dial the Tiny Tree Farm back to once-a-week watering, and I’ll transplant the trees next spring.
Now, what if you don’t have any garden pots? And none of your neighbors are disposing of their surplus? Can you still play Trees for Free? Yes!
Here’s the thing about our desert trees: During the hot summer months, they have a charming habit of dropping pods all over sidewalks, streets, and driveways.
Want some free pods? Sweep them up, take them home, and drop them where you want a tree to sprout.
I’ve been doing this with my mesquite pods — sweeping them up and dropping them in the yard — and lo and behold, some of them are already sprouting!
So, call it Trees for Free. Or just call it fun!
Another Learning Opportunity!
Check out Martha’s new audiobook and eBook, Water Harvesting 101. It will help you get your water harvesting journey off to a strong start.