Describe your 'perfect' garden apron

13 years ago

I don't care for lugging buckets and tubs around the garden constantly. Of course, I do for larger harvest, such as tomatoes. But for harvesting peppers and other smaller/lighter items? And what about carrying out seeds and trowels and "pokers" when planting and weeding?

It struck me last night that I should just design and sew the perfect gardening apron. Sturdy enough to carry a fairly heavy load (lots of cherry tomatoes or a handful of beefsteaks?) yet light & easy enough that I'll wear it each time I'm out, just in case. I hate going out for a "quick check" of the garden, just to find myself juggling a big harvest of peppers that I saw while there and nothing to carry it in. It would also be handy to throw in several seed packets and a poker stick & trowel, maybe some labels and pens for planting time. No more bags blowing away, buckets tipping over, and it would be all hands free.

So whatcha think? I'm going to work on it over the next few weeks then sew one up. If it's a nice enough design, I'll make an extra to send along as a door prize at the plant swap.

Diane

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (16)

soonergrandmom
13 years ago
Too funny, I have one kind of designed in my head, but I wondered if I would really have it on when I needed it.
soonergrandmom
13 years ago
Diane, Here is one kind of like I am thinking, but I think it needs a tie on the center front of the pocket with a hook at the other end that will attach to a tab on the top of the apron if you need to really load that pocket up. I may whip one out when time allows. I don't normally wear aprons in the house, but I find it is tough to pick in the garden when you walk out empty handed.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kangaroo Pocket Apron
Related Discussions
YOUR perfect soil for vegetable gardening.
Q
Comments (5)
In my raised beds, the best I have had is a mixture of approximately 50% peat moss and 50% composted sheep manure. (Sheep manure being the advice of an Italian neighbour over cattle manure) Each year I threw a small amount of homemade compost to top them up. The manure disappears very quickly into the soil, so the peat moss adds longevity to the levels. It takes about 2 years for peat moss to disappear into my clay soil. Peat moss will also hold soil nutrients and keep them from leaching away. In the fall, I turned some leaves into it. Some people say just to leave them on top, but that attempt made all the leaves blow away with the first wind. I never noticed any negative effects on my plants. In the spring, the level would go down somewhat and I would turn over the bed digging a bit into the clay soil beneath. (I started them as sort of a lazy lasagna bed) I'd top it up with whatever composted or semi composted material I had and finish off with more compost or peat moss. By now, I'm sure the soil in the bed is a good part of the natural clay soil mixed in with the added components. I get great results every year, more produce than I can deal with.
...See More
What is your property size compared to your garden size?
Q
Comments (58)
Wow, I never expected this thread to go so long! We are now officially in the new house, and I'm glad I stuck to my inclination to get the larger lot. Our dogs looked SOOOO happy running around in that big backyard when we arrived yesterday. Because of the septic field, there are some limits on what I can garden (I know some people garden over septic fields, but I would rather avoid it if I have alternatives), but I plan to interplant the grass over the septic field with things that are yummy grazing for chickens. It's a bit overwhelming just thinking of where to get started. All those cottonwoods in the back need to be thinned, and the whole area cleaned up and mulched with compost, and there's lots of landscaping to do before the fruit trees go in. ALL of the sod in the front yard needs to come up, but it looks to be a rhizomatous grass, so THAT is easier said than done. I'm planning on a native, waterwise garden for the front half of the front yard, then cordoned grapes to form a low fence, with kitchen garden with perennial flowers, herbs and maybe some currants, kiwis and hops between the grapes and the backyard fence. I'm just glad there's some ready-made beds to grow the basic veggies in this year, because I have about 10 years of work ahead to do everything I am envisioning!
...See More
Does your interior style reflect your garden style?
Q
Comments (13)
My interior used to be 'casual farmhouse' style, but since the 2 yo grandson came to stay, it might best be described as 'baby clutter'. It's slowly evolving to 'toddler clutter' which I'm sure will eventually descend into 'little boy camp style' followed by 'teenager'. Just as when my own children were still at home, my life revolves around the child in the house and that childs needs, this little guy is the cream in my coffee. The garden style used to be 'tidy farmhouse cottage' but in the past 9 months it has become 'benign neglect.' It still has many beautiful flowers and good structure as a result of 10 years of hard work and careful tending to beds and walkways. But the walkways are still full of last years leaves, the spring bulbs are pushing up through last years dead foliage and ground covers are leaping over edgings and scampering across pathways with joyful abandon. DH and I do very well sharing responsibilities in caring for the little darling-and he is definitely a high-maintenance little dude. I think he could disassemble the lawn mower or climb up onto the roof if we didn't watch him every minute. But that extra duty has cut all of our outdoor time in half. The one sanctuary that I have is my little greenhouse. It's 10'x12' of quiet solitude for me and I actually get to go out there about 4-5 times a week. I can only go out there after DH gets home cause if I take the little darling he wants to swim in the galvanized tub that's currently full of slime and goldfish. The fish will be going back out to their pond this weekend and I will be able to use the slimey water to nourish my plants. then I'll just have to find a tall and strong enough barrier to keep the LD out of the pond. When my three daughters were small I could tell them one time to not do something and they wouldn't do it. Not this guy, telling him not to do something is all the inspiration he needs to set his mind to do it. But hey, he's two, he's a handful, he's delightful and wonderful. I wouldn't want him any other way. Cheryl
...See More
Designing/Planting a Hosta Garden According to Your Needs
Q
Comments (15)
That was so inspiring, Les, and melancholy at the same time. I could have written it all, had I the inclination and ability to articulate the philosophy as well as you did. It's taken me 22 years to understand what I've done wrong (plant Maple trees), and what I should have done (amend, amend, amend - I live where the 'soil' is like cement), and oh how I wish I could go back and start over. This was a new subdivision, a 'maintained' community of zero-lot-line homes, but I had to have my new house built on the corner lot because as the entrance to the subdivision, it had the most trees and was the biggest lot. Wrong choice. Being a corner lot, there are two berms so I've gardened on a slant. The trees on those berms are Scotch Pines which, after a few short years, started dropping pine cones and a good wind knocks off so many dead limbs that punch holes in the hosta that I cry. Scotch Pines have a lifespan of about 20 to 25 years. They're starting to die. Then there's the Emerald Ash Borer - those trees provided the dappled shade and are coming down - and oh, I almost forgot the sick ornamental fruit trees that drop yellow leaves starting in June because they were treated too late. Btw, no 'maintenance' people are allowed in here. I cut the grass, what little is left. And I no longer have to weed because as you describe, few weeds grow where there's no light. I have over 400 hosta and fortunately, many which are not on the berms have been used as shrubs against patios and house and have reached over 6 feet in width. The tree roots have choked so many on the berms they will never reach that size and some don't exist any more. I planted Rhubarb and Goatsbeard in those spots. Everything you have pointed out is something I've learned the hard way - and at age 70, I no longer want to wait 20 years until I'm able to see these gorgeous adult plants - if I can still see, that is. I, too, hate mulch - but that's what was put down for many years in the (then) open areas. DH is a golfer, so this is my own agony and ecstasy. He's felt sorry for me recently and made some burlap shades to put up over the blues so they keep as much wax as possible in disgusting 98-degree heat like today. Looks like hell for a day or two - but I hang on as long as I can. And I've had to sneak away a lot of grass (he loves it) and rake away a lot of mulch, but I've finally got the 'look' you describe - most hostas either touch or hug each other. We are now about to put this place on the market and move to Colorado where I will hopefully do it as right as possible even though I know it's not the climate I need (or want). I doubt I'll ever find another obsession I love so much as this. But I might have to. Know anyone who wants to buy a pretty house with a hosta collection? It's close to being what you describe - just a few more adjustments ... and maybe one more hosta. Westy
...See More
p_mac
13 years ago
OOOOOHHHHHH!!!! And dang it...you're probably out of tomatoe fabric, aren't you????

Susan McMinn posted a pattern of a vintage apron (complete with head scarf!) on her blog "Chickens in the Road" a few months ago that would be perfect! You could add as many pockets as you wanted!!!

I can see you now....in your muck boots and apron over your shorts! You'll have to model it for me if you're ever back this far south....

Here is a link that might be useful: Vintage Apron Pattern
biradarcm
13 years ago
How about Lee Valley Garden Apron?

Here is a link that might be useful: here is you go!
dodemeister
13 years ago
oooh, i made the perfect gardening apron, i wish it wasn't dark so i could take some pictures for you. it's a pair of button (not snap)jeans, opened at the leg seams, and sewn flat. about knee length, hip to hip width. lined with vintage cotton fabric. zipper and such face front just as if you were wearing the jeans, torn out seams used for apron ties... put two button holes on both the lower corners, and when it's time to harvest, both corners come up and button in the center of the jeans. it leaves a wonderful full pocket big enough to carry the day's pickings in.

it took me about an hour to make it, and i've been using it for 3 years. and it upcycles. that's the best part, imho :)

dody
owiebrain
Original Author
13 years ago
Carol and Chandra, both of those are very cool. What I've had pictured in my mind has elements from both in it.

Paula, I love the old-style aprons! The bodice part I'm leaning towards is very similar to the one you posted but wider in the shoulders, maybe crossing in back, to distribute the weight more.

Dode, pics! Must have pics! Now that you mention that, I vaguely remember hearing about an apron like that. Maybe you talked about it here a couple of years back? I thought what a great idea that was then and now I simply must see it so I can think about how to steal part of the idea! LOL And I love making things out of old jeans -- in fact, that's what I was going to make this apron out of no matter what style. You just can't beat denim for strength and durability. I have oodles of it waiting for me to turn into something.

Now that I'm over the rush of Christmas sewing, I'm ready to start something new... after I finish the newest pile of mending. I sew and sew and it just seems to get bigger.

Diane
slowpoke_gardener
13 years ago
My favorite apron is a modified machine shop apron. The pockets on the bib are only attached at the top so they swing down when I bend or get down on my knees, same thing with waist pockets. The tail is long enough to hold a large harvest. But I dont use it when the weather is hot, I sweat like crazy and in hot weather just wear enough close to stay out of jail.

Larry
owiebrain
Original Author
13 years ago
Larry, that's a wonderful idea about the free-swinging pockets. I'm with you on the clothes. Back in OK, we ran around mostly naked most of the time. Here, people can see us and, if they saw me anywhere near naked, they'd run off the road and hit a tree -- an be grateful if their eyes were jabbed out by the branches. I am so not looking forward to a fully clothed summer.

I've been googling. I'll put the links here for future apron searchers:

*had to remove one link because it was to The Place That Shall Not Be Mentioned* LOL

http://www.clevernesting.com/2009/06/pouch-garden-apron-tutorial/

http://www.vermontapron.com/harvest-bag-apron.html

http://www.frogcreekcottage.com/2008/04/the-gathering-apron/

None are exactly what I want but each of them have great ideas for inspiration.

Diane
soonergrandmom
13 years ago
Larry swinging pockets are a great idea, and your comment made me chuckle.
Okiedawn OK Zone 7
13 years ago
Diane,

I like the idea of a kangaroo pocket type harvest apron, but wonder about wearing one that is strong enough and sturdy enough to hold a big harvest.

I know I sure could have used one last year when standing on a ladder, harvesting over 300 lbs. of plums and peaches. I used a 5-gallon bucket for that and once it was full, it was pretty heavy and difficult to carry down the ladder...holding onto the ladder with one hand and the full bucket with the other.

I do love garden aprons, but don't usually wear one because they are so hot. It's hot enough out there during the harvest season without putting on another layer. I just lug all my tools and junk around in a tool pocket attached to a 5-gallon bucket, and put the harvest into the bucket if the harvest is small.

If the harvest is large, I put several tub-trugs into a wheelbarrow or into our son's now-ancient and rusted "Little Red Wagon" and park it right outside the garden gate in the shade. Then, when the 5-gallon bucket gets full, I dump the harvest from the bucket into one of the tub-trugs sitting in the waiting wheelbarrow or wagon and then go back to the garden to harvest more stuff.

I hope your fabric choice will be something sturdy like denim or canvas because, depending on what you're harvesting, the apron might have to carry a heavy load.

My new tool pocket is oilcloth and I'm excited about that because it will wipe clean, whereas the old tool pocket was canvas and showed dirt real easily, and I wasn't ever in the mood to unload all the tools and junk, untie the tool pocket from the bucket and take it into the house to throw into the washing machine. I think an oilcloth apron would be so convenient since it would wipe clean, except that wearing an oilcloth apron would be like wearing a rubber sauna suit.

I look forward to seeing how all your ideas get merged into a final product.

Dawn
OklaMoni
13 years ago
The problem with an apron for me is: It's in the way when I bend down to do what ever.

I just take a basket out with me, and of course, I have some snippers, a bandana and gloves in it. :)

Moni
owiebrain
Original Author
13 years ago
Moni, that is one thing I'm currently pondering. I want it big enough to carry a nice load but not so big that it's bulky or in my way at every turn.

Dawn, agreed on the oilcloth and needing something sturdy. I did briefly consider oilcloth but quickly decided against it since it would be so miserable to wear. Denim is what I've decided on since I have plenty of old jeans to recycle and it's very durable and strong. (However, for large, large harvests, such as when the tomatoes are trying to take over the world, I will take out baskets.) Another thing you mentioned is one more issue I'm weighing: How to make it strong and distribute the weight comfortably but without being too hot. I wear shorts & tanks in the summer (now that I can't run around nekkid!) and will try to keep the apron bodice coverage as small as possible so as not to trap in heat.

Oy. So many things to scrunch into my brain at one time. LOL

Diane
Okiedawn OK Zone 7
13 years ago
Diane,

I think you'd need really strong straps that criss-cross in the back. Depending on what kind of tank top you're wearing, plus an apron with straps, you could have some really unusual tan lines.

Dawn
seedmama
13 years ago
Diane,

I am eager to see what you create. I have often thought of combining a fishing vest with a pocket apron, but have never gotten around to it.

Here's a link to green pepper patterns for both a fishing vest and an apron. The thought of spending money on patterns annoys me, but I often find that by letting someone else do the thinking I save a lot in fabric and the time value of money. On the big 3 I wait for the 99 cents sales, but I've never seen green pepper on sale.

There's no such thing as too many pockets. I can't wait to see what you create!

Seedmama

Here is a link that might be useful: Green Pepper Patterns
dodemeister
13 years ago
wow, mine is really similar to the gathering apron. interesting. :) so here are the pics of mine. not easy taking photos of yourself in a mirror. so sorry for the blurries.

i also took the back pockets and added them to the front as well. i don't know where i got the "knee length" from. i know i've lost 20 lbs since last year, but i didn't realize until now that i have apparently lost quite a few inches in height as well :)

i was just looking in my closet, and i've got a pair of denim overalls that are too big.... oh boy. !!

can't wait to see what you make!!!

dody :)
owiebrain
Original Author
13 years ago
Dode, thanks for taking the time to share that!!

Okay, my creative juices are flowing now....

Diane

Describe your 'perfect' garden apron

Comments (16)

soonergrandmom

soonergrandmom

Related Discussions

p_mac

biradarcm

dodemeister

owiebrain
Original Author

slowpoke_gardener

owiebrain
Original Author

soonergrandmom

Okiedawn OK Zone 7

OklaMoni

owiebrain
Original Author

Okiedawn OK Zone 7

seedmama

dodemeister

owiebrain
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Describe your 'perfect' garden apron

Comments (16)

Related Discussions

owiebrainOriginal Author

owiebrainOriginal Author

owiebrainOriginal Author

owiebrainOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

owiebrain
Original Author

owiebrain
Original Author

owiebrain
Original Author

owiebrain
Original Author