Planting and Designing a Garden

Planting and Designing a Garden

Step 1Research the location of where you are plantingDetermine the amount of sunlight and shadeDetermine the amount of natural water the space receivesDetermine the air flowRaised bedsTypically made of wood and are at least 12 in heightConvenient for watering and harvestingGardener can create a good quality soil mixAllow for more crops in an area

Raised beds continued

Less soil compaction than in flatbed plantingsCan be set up on any surface such as concrete patios or wood decksCan be built to make it accessible to elderly and handicap

FlatbedMost traditional way to plant vegetables Planted in rowsUsually a two foot gap is left between each row for easy watering and harvestingOne disadvantage of flatbed planting is it consumes a lot of space

ContainerEasy to make, manage and add beauty to any areaMust have holes for drainageTake up a small amount of spaceExamplesWhiskey barrelsWashtubsPlastic or clay potsWooden cratesBaskets

Roof topMake food use of wasted or unwanted spaceExpensive to establishCheck with local ordinance for rules & regulationsEnlist the assistance of an architect or landscape contractorUse as little weight as possibleIncorporate wind breaks into the gardenConsider ease of watering and harvesting from rooftop

Vertical gardenSaves valuable garden spaceHave a tendency to cast shadow. Watch the sun for several days before plantingExamplesTrellisArborsString polesTeepeescages

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SoilDetermined by what plants you selectSoil type and needsSoil ammendments

Now to PlanConsider season of plantingSome geographic locations arent good environments for planting in summer and winter.Consider types of plant you should useSize and growth habitLight availbiltyWater access

Planting your gardenPlanting with seedsCool season crops Seeds that should be planted in the Fall Examples are : lettuce, kale, mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage, collards, radishes and onionsSeeds that should be planted in winter (February March) Examples are : carrots,onions, peas, potatoes, turnip, lettuce and radishWarm season crops Seeds planted in the Spring. Examples are: beans, corn, pumpkin (harvest in the fall) and cucumberSeeds planted in the summer. Examples are: brussel sprouts, okra, beans, cucumbers,kale and radish

Planting with small plantsCool season crops Fall vegetable plants such as broccoli, cabbage, lettuce and onions Winter vegetable plants such as lettuce and spinach

Warm season crops Spring vegetable plants such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and cucumbersSummer vegetable plants such as okra, cauliflower, cucumbers and kaleMaintaining your garden Stake plants as needed in the garden.Control pestsKeeping your garden clean of debris and dead plants.Check for pest problems and practice non chemical methods to control pests.Harvest plants as they mature.Do not let plants over ripen or decay on the plant as this will lead to pest issues.