Another PNW gardener

From Kitsap County. Figuring out what to do with a very rocky side yard.

I certainly can understand having a lot of rocks. Is it a sloped area? Concerned about erosion? Are you wanting or needing any shade on that side?

It’s actually pretty level. I’m not super concerned about erosion. My current thought is to plant native wildflowers on either end of the yard and have some grass that I maintain with a wee hacker in the center for some seating and a hang out area for my dog.

I think native wildflowers would be great and they would manage with the kind of soil you're dealing with. I'm sure the dog would appreciate some grass - what kind are you thinking of?

It the pet friendly grass mix from Sunday - a mix of urine resistant fescue and perennial rye grass.

I didn't know they had such a thing "pet-friendly" grass. Look at that, one day in and I learn something!

Adjacent to my side yard is a very long “sod” covered parking space. We don’t have an RV, so I cut a 5’ x 10’ garden area using a manual soil ripper, pulled a bunch of rocks out with a pick mattock, and conditioned the soil. That process took 3 weeks. The garden is now home to 25 asparagus crowns. In another section I have been rehoming the leeks that I discovered on the property. I also am experimenting with Brussels sprouts. These are pretty radical experiments for me. Until now, my gardening has been herbs, tomatoes, and peppers. Early days; I’ll keep y’all posted.

I have initial asparagus proof of life!

Ooh I'm jealous! 🌱😁 When did you plant the crowns?

I really wanted to start some this year but got so overwhelmed with all the garden projects. Hope you share updates so we can follow along 🍿

About 2 weeks ago. I’m excited to see anything come up.

I know it’s literally a hard row to hand weed. So we have a long journey ahead of us before even a light harvest maybe a year from now.