It is important when you start to plan a garden, to know what you want the garden to do. For instance, if you are hoping to feed a family of four all year round, you will need to plan a garden that is approximately 100 square meters of space (not including walking paths) that produces more than once. If you live in a cold climate, you will not be able to grow year round. So asking yourself a few basic questions is a good way to start.
Where do you Live?
Climate can be broken down into three basic categories when planning a garden. Cold, temperate and tropical/sub-tropical. Of course there are many shades of climate in these categories and only you can determine exactly how where you live, fits into the mix.
What will grow Where?
Different plants have different requirements so take that into consideration when doing your vegetable garden planning.
Plants like beans, broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, cauliflower, turnips, onions and peas grow best at temperatures between 10-20C. These plants prefer a cooler time of the year to grow and will usually tolerate frost.
Vegetables like cabbage, carrots, radish, parsnip, leek, lettuce and celery have intermediate temperature requirements. They will grow best in temperatures between 15-25C and they can be fussy. Grow them out of season and they may run to seed without producing anything for your kitchen table.
Warm season vegetables grow best in temperatures above 20C and will die if exposed to frost. These include corn, capsicum, potato, tomato, eggplant and beans and all the vine crops. So make sure the majority of their growing season is in the warmer months.
To help with your planning, I've developed a range of sowing guides (www.no-dig-vegetablegarden.com/sowing-guides.html). The guides indicate which months are the best for sowing popular vegetables and how many weeks growing you have before harvest.
A few other considerations...
By following these simple vegetable gardening tips, your no dig garden will be off to a flying start. Spend some time to work out what you will grow over the growing season that you have available to you. Then back time the weeks you will need to grow your seedling before planting.
Judy Williams (http://www.no-dig-vegetablegarden.com) splits her time between being an executive and an earth mother goddess.
No Dig Vegetable Gardens represents a clean, green way to grow your own food. The site covers all aspects of growing, cooking and preserving your harvest.
The Basics of Hydroponics Gardening.What is hydroponics gardening?Derived from the... Read More
In many parts of North America, the end of "porch... Read More
Mustard plants have been used for thousands of years for... Read More
Every spring the United States and Canada are blessed with... Read More
Give the same plants to several people, you will see... Read More
This is more of a follow up on my original... Read More
A focal point is an important design element; it is... Read More
If you're looking for a beautiful, old world garden style,... Read More
Have you noticed how everything looks great at the moment... Read More
Set in a broad expanse of lush green lawn a... Read More
Noted English clergyman Sydney Smith (1771-1845) is quoted as saying,... Read More
Some might ask, "Why grow Italian vegetable seeds?" Why bother... Read More
Whenever you decide to look for a butterfly house for... Read More
Scents from the rose garden filling the air as you... Read More
What a cruel trick the weather is playing on us.WE... Read More
Iris flowers always bring memories of mom to mind. Let... Read More
Growing grapes in the backyard or garden can be a... Read More
Is your garden soil great? Does it produce an abundant... Read More
Roses are one of natures most beautiful and splendid gifts.... Read More
A principle of all art is unity. This means that... Read More
Yes! You can attract hummingbirds to your home. Even if... Read More
You can hear the wailing from here. "Why aren't my... Read More
Landscaping is a wonderful pastime enjoyed by many. It provides... Read More
If you've been gardening for any length of time you... Read More
Get ready for some gut-wrenching, laugh out loud hilarious pond... Read More
The silk flower is growing in popularity among young couples... Read More
There's been a huge increase in the popularity of garden... Read More
The garden should be near the house and away from... Read More
I should know: I've been a sculptor most of my... Read More
Herbs can add a touch of magic to your garden... Read More
Everybody asks about Easter lilies! Can they go outside; can... Read More
1. Always read the instruction manual before operating your lawnmower.... Read More
Do you have clay or layer of hard subsoil problems... Read More
"Organic gardening is not just the avoidance of chemicals, in... Read More
Traditionally Hindu tepmples were located either on hills or forests... Read More
Teak furniture is tropical hardwood that has a rich, golden... Read More
Gardeners, it's time to put your gardening skills to the... Read More
Unfortunately, sunlight is not enough.Your water lilies will grow, thrive,... Read More
Like many Americans, you may find bird watching to be... Read More
Many of us garden just for the sheer joy of... Read More
Tropical flowers make an exciting change from the more traditional... Read More
Are you like me? Sad to see the summer end... Read More
Low Oxygen levels Kill FishUse an oxygen tester and air... Read More
It's August, the weather has cooled a bit here and... Read More
It's been time consuming, and there have been a lot... Read More
Planting roses isn't actually complicated, as long as you have... Read More
Snow peas may have been named because in bright sunlight... Read More
HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR RECIPEWe love hummingbirds and love to watch them... Read More
For best health, it is important to keep your environment... Read More
I should know: I've been a sculptor most of my... Read More
Known as "joy of the mountain," Origanum vulgare is commonly... Read More
Do you have trouble starting your lawnmower up in the... Read More
Many finer homes and businesses feature beautiful indoor and outdoor... Read More
THE BASICS OF HYDROPONICS.An Introduction To Indoor Plant Grow Lights.There... Read More
Colour affects our emotions, moods, physical, and spiritual well-being. It... Read More
Landscaping is a wonderful pastime enjoyed by many. It provides... Read More
Organic gardeners all know compost is fantastic stuff. But now,... Read More
Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will... Read More
Every year you plan that THIS will be the year... Read More
Is it possible for a garden sundial to tell perfect... Read More
Outdoor furniture constructed with teak wood is a favorite among... Read More
Every spring some mysterious hormone hits the male of the... Read More
Sure, it makes sense that there's a buzz about vertical... Read More
If your grocer says, "Yes, we have no bananas. We... Read More
Do you have clay or layer of hard subsoil problems... Read More
Summertime provides the best time of the year to water... Read More
Landscaping & Gardening |