I am trying not to make the same mistake I made last year by starting our pumpkins too late. The space that I would normally plant the seeds is where our watermelons are growing now so I had to come up with another plan. Pumpkins, like watermelons, need full sun. The only place I had that I knew might work was the back of the backyard. So I grabbed my pickax and got to work.

First I had to get all of the weeds and grass dug up and figure out how big I wanted to make the garden. We chose 3 different types of seeds.

It was so hard work and extremely hot. I got as much done that day as I possibly could.

Donny had brought the huge bag of potting soil out to the area when I got home from work so the next morning I was ready to start tilling up the area. I mixed the soil into the dirt that was already there. I decided to make two different gardens.

I had to come up with some type of barrier to keep the chickens out. They love nothing more than digging in fresh dirt.

I used our baby gate that we use when we have new chicks and a tomato cage that we aren’t using right now.

I pulled the garden fences from the front because we didn’t need them there anymore since the plants are big. I always think I can remember where I planted what, but I always forget. I took the seed packets, covered them in packing tape and attached them to wooden skewers. I’ll removed the barriers once the vines start growing. It’s amazing how long they get.

Ever since the neighbor behind us accidentally cut our string lights when they were cutting the trees down, I have wanted to put more lights out there. We found these solar lights at Harbor Freight. They are 66 ft long and are pretty bright.

It’s hard to tell in this picture because my phone takes such crappy night photos, but they look pretty good and stretch the whole fence length.

When I tell you it is EXTREMELY hot and that I’ve been working outside for the past several days, it’s no joke. This is how I have been looking most of the summer. My shirt is soaked in sweat and this is after the second shirt change.

I actually don’t mind the heat. What I do mind is my freaking carpal tunnel. I will be sleeping like this until winter.

My poor wrist brace has been through it. Whatever works.