I had planned this post for a later date… when I could shoot a photo of my own salad table but, since the spring planting season is rapidly approaching, I decided you could benefit from having the directions for constructing a salad table sooner rather than later. Jon Traunfeld, state master gardener coordinator at the University of Maryland, designed the salad table patterned after a metal version being used on a Maryland organic farm. It peaked my interest when I caught a Martha Stewart episode on the table's construction earlier this month. (Photo courtesy of University of Maryland, which I will replace as soon as I can take a shot of my own table lush with salad greens.)
You have two options… either set the unit on a pair of sawhorses or secure it to 4 x4 legs that are made by screwing two 2 x 4s together with one of the boards cut 3 1/2 " shorter than the other. The table rests on the shorter piece. Detailed steps with photos and diagrams for construction of the wooden frame, with a mesh bottom to allow water to drain and prevent soil from falling through, can be found on the University of Maryland web site. Martha Stewart has also provided a video of Jon Traunfeld demonstrating the table's construction on her show. (University of Maryland diagram.)
The advantages of the salad table are many… you can plant, tend, and harvest greens at waist level throughout the entire growing season, it's easy to create and maintain an ideal soil and moisture environment, there are few weeds and pest problems, and portability allows convenient positioning close to the kitchen. Additionally, the table simplifies control of light conditions since salad greens should receive full sun in the spring, light shade during the hot summer months, and full sun in the fall for optimum growth. What a fun and easy way to enjoy fresh greens all season long! It just makes so much sense.
April 17, 2009
Today's mileage: 2-mile walk
Total mileage for April: 58.25 miles
Bible reading? Yes.
Whiteley Creek Homestead 
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