What were your 2011 successes and failures???

What did you try this year that you will definately do again and what wasn't as successful???



Stevia: I didn't have a use for it after I grew it. Although it is sweet, it still tasted too "Green"

Living grids: carrots were ok, but it crowded the plants doing onions and the onions failed.

Shredded paper as poatao mulch: LOVED! I covered my potatos with shredded office paper several layers thick. It didn't blow but formed a thin crust of top with plenty of room for air. Bumper potato crop in the boxes I used the paper.

Tomatos: opalka heirloom paste tomato--will definately grow them every year along with my trusty roma's

Seedlings: This year I started all my plants myself indoors months ahead of time. Saved tons of money and had a much better success rate. In fact this is the first year I have gotten squash.

Growing up and some Non SFG successes: My garden is still to large to have it converted all to SFG. But I have to say I LOVE LOVE LOVE cattle panel fencing and growing up. I grew half of my tomato, all my cucumber, beans and peas up the fencing. I splurged and put down plastic and weed barrier between the 15 foot rows and was in heaven. It was especially great for the tomato. I just tied them on and wove them in as they grew. They got great air circulation not having other plants close by.

Negative of cattle panel: The plants were not in SFG and MM. The tomato plants were not nearly as big although they looked healthier than the ones planted close together in SFG due to blight. Next year I am building long SFG beds that the panels will sit on top of so I get the best of both worlds.

Pressure cooker/canner: My neighbor loaned me her pressure canner and combined with my hot water bath canner, I felt like a pro!

Love all the info!
Will use paper for my potatoes next year, and maybe an opalka or two, and start my seedlings, too. I want tomatoes and peppers that I can't get starts for around here.
Thanks!
j