12/28/2022 0 Comments 4x8 garden plannerThe addition of trellises provides vertical gardening and increases the space available to vining plants like cucumbers and beans. When planned and planted properly, one 4-foot by 8-foot raised bed may supply a good portion of the produce for one or two people. Vegetables in raised beds will require more frequent irrigation than those in an in-ground garden. Soil in raised beds will heat up more quickly in the spring and stay warm longer into the fall. A variety of materials can be used to construct raised beds, but do not use materials that might leach chemicals into the soil, such as old railroad ties. A drip irrigation system connected to a timer is a great addition to a container garden. Containers require more frequent irrigation than gardens, especially as the plants grow and require more water. Mix and match vegetables in one container for extended beauty and harvest. Vegetables that do well in containers include beans, beets, carrots, collards, cucumbers, eggplants, garlic, kale, leeks, lettuces, mustard greens, peas, peppers, potatoes, spinach, squash, Swiss chard, and tomatoes. ![]() The larger the mature plant, the larger the container needs to be. The bigger the container, the easier it is to be successful. Containers may range from as small as a 12-inch flowerpot to a half whisky barrel. Many vegetables can be grown in containers that are deep enough to support their root systems. Once a site is selected, there will be several other questions to consider in the planning phase.Ĭontainer gardens, raised beds, traditional rows, and intensive plantings are all possibilities.Ĭontainer gardens. Gardening is not as easy as simply planting a seed or transplant and watching the plant grow. Overwatering can also lead to insect and disease problems as well as washing nutrients away, converting a valuable garden resource into pollution in nearby streams. Many diseases are spread by water splashing on the leaves. On average, vegetables need one inch of water per week, and you need to provide only what is not supplied by rain. Dragging a hose hundreds of feet or carrying buckets of water across the yard every few days makes having a garden a lot more work. Water is heavy and difficult to move, so locate the garden near a potable water supply, making it easy to water the garden properly. One of the most important aspects of gardening is water, which makes up 90 percent of a plant’s weight. Plants that we grow for their fruit, including tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers, need at least eight and do better with 10 hours of sunlight. Plants that we grow for their leaves-including leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, chard, and spinach-and plants that we grow for their storage roots (such as radishes, turnips, and beets) can be grown in as little as six hours of sunlight but do much better with eight hours or more. Most vegetables need at least eight hours of direct sunlight. Avoid areas near trees and large shrubs that will compete with the garden for sunlight, water, and nutrients. ![]() They need sunlight, water, air, soil, fertilizer, and care.Ĭhoose a convenient site in full sun with easy access to water and fertile, well-drained soil. Success, however, takes more than just a place to grow the vegetables. Add a few radishes and carrots, also grown in 12-inch containers, for spice and sweetness, and you have a good start on a delicious salad. For example, enough lettuce for a salad can be grown in a 12-inch pot on the back deck. Many vegetables can be grown in containers. A vegetable garden can be in the ground or in a planting bed, but it doesn’t have to be. Growing vegetables takes some space, but not necessarily acres. Don’t be discouraged if the first attempt isn’t a huge success. With patience and practice, your skills will improve every year. It doesn’t take a lot of money, time, or talent, although some of each would be helpful. The end result is fresh produce to eat, share, or sell.Īnyone who is willing to invest some time every day or two to nurture the plants can grow a vegetable garden. Vegetable gardening consists of selecting a site, planning the garden, preparing the soil, choosing the seeds and plants, planting a crop, and nurturing the plants until they are ready for harvest.
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