Gardens

Research Location of the garden including sun, shade, water and air.

Raised beds Raised beds are typically made of wood and are at least twelve inches in height. They are convenient for watering and harvesting. The gardener can create a good quality soil mix. Raised beds allow the gardener to grow more crops in a given area. Raised beds have less soil compaction than flatbed plantings. Raised beds can be set up on any surface such as concrete or porches. Raised beds can be built to make it accessible to elderly or handicapped individuals.

Flat bed The most traditional way to plant vegetables is in rows. Usually a two foot gap is left between each row for easy watering and harvesting. One disadvantage of flatbed planting is it consumes a lot of space.

Container Container gardens are easy to make, manage and add beauty to any area. Examples of containers Whiskey barrels Washtubs Plastic or clay pots Wooden crates Baskets Make sure your containers have holes in the bottom for water drainage. Container garden takes up a small amount of space.

Roof top Roof top gardens make good use of unused or wasted space. They are expensive to establish. Check local ordinances before you begin for rules and regulations. Enlist the assistance of an architect or landscape contractor. Use as little weight as possible. Incorporate windbreaks into the garden design. Consider ease of watering and harvesting plants from your roof top garden.

Vertical garden Vertical gardening saves valuable garden space. Vertical structures have a tendency to cast shadow. Watch the sun’s movement for several days before planting. Examples of vertical gardening structures. Trellis Arbors String poles Teepees Cages

Soil Considerations Soil needs determined by what plants you select. Soil amendments are determined by what plants you select. Soilless mixes are determined by what plants you select. Soil (natural) is determined by what plants you select.

Planning your garden Season Fall Winter Spring Summer Type of plants Annual Perennial Vegetable Flower

Establishing your garden

Seeds Fall vegetable seeds such as lettuce, kale, mustard, broccoli, cabbage, collards, radish and onions are examples of cool season crops. Winter vegetable seeds (mid-February through early March) such as carrots, onions, peas, potatoes, turnip, lettuce and radish are examples of cool season crops. Spring vegetable seeds such as beans, corn, pumpkin (harvest in the fall) and cucumber will are examples of warm season crops. Summer vegetable seeds to plant are brussel sprouts, okra, beans, cucumbers, kale and radish are examples of summer crops.

Plants Fall vegetable plants such as broccoli, cabbage, lettuce and onions (sets) are examples of cool season crops. Winter vegetable plants such as lettuce and spinach are examples of cool season crops. Spring vegetable plants such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and cucumbers are examples of warm season crops. Summer vegetable plants such as okra, cauliflower, cucumbers and kale are examples of summer crops.

Maintaining your garden Stake plants as needed in the garden. Control pests Keeping 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.