Are You Up for a Challenge?
I get a lot of questions and comments from new gardeners. Growing your own food is becoming more and more popular and more people I know are taking the plunge and putting in a garden. After much thought, I decided it would be easiest to have a separate small garden and to start a series chronicling each step of the process, what to plant, when to plant, how to weed; everything a beginner needs to know for a successful edible garden throughout the year.
I’ll be putting in a small garden in my yard somewhere off by itself. This spring, it will be started in the sod just like a new gardener would. A few vegetables will be grown, nothing too exotic, things that will be chosen for ease of growth and delicious eating. Each week or two (let me know how often you want to see an update) I’ll post an update to the blog with chores you need to be doing in the garden, things to look for, how things are growing, etc.
This is where you come in. If you are a new or an experienced gardener please answer the following questions:
Would you be interested in a series like this?
Would you join in by planting a garden?
Would you be willing to participate as mentor if you’re an experienced gardener?
What size garden do you think is a good manageable size for starting out? I’m thinking 5 foot by 5 foot
How many different kinds of vegetables should be planted? I’m thinking 5
What kinds of vegetables do you think are best for beginners? tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, and peas are among my top choices so far.
Do you think it would be easiest to choose a seed collection from a seed company (like the EZ to Grow Rainbow Kitchen Collection from Renee’s Garden?)
Do you think any herbs and flowers should be included? I was thinking basil & marigolds for companion planting
I think its a great idea Suzy. Alot of new gardeners out there keen to start growing veggies, but not really sure how to manage it in a small space.
Growing your own has taken off over here in the UK, think last year was the 1st time that veg seeds sales beat flower seeds.
I helped a novice gardener last year get going with a small veg plot and she really enjoyed it, even tho it was a dire year weather/pest wise for gardeners.
Instead of pea’s how about french beans? A better harvest would be had over a longer period…
to Mich's comment
Great idea, Suzy!
I agree with Mich, filet beans, which will produce a long time, would be a good idea, and sungold cherry tomatoes, because that is the earliest way to get a tomato salad out of the garden!
I can’t believe you are going to find more time for this project, but I sure would have learned faster if I could have followed your blog for my first garden.
It is a lovely idea!
to Marina's comment
Yes please! I’m not actually a new gardener, but I’m still trying to figure out what to do and get into a routine that I can maintain. I love to hear how everyone else works with their land. I’m always running late, forget to weed, have no idea what to plant, or where I planted it. I’m so grateful that things grow in spite of me, but I’d like to get a bit more organized and this is the year for it!
to Bethany's comment
Good idea,I would have loved that my first few years of gardening! I think 8 or 10 by 4 or 5 feet width would be a good starter size, especially if you are having a tomato or two. 5 by 5 may be a little small for tomatoes and zuchinni. Cukes would be a good addition to a little potager,since they can be trellised and grow quickly. I’m sure we will all pick up some tips from this beginner garden of yours.There is never a year in my garden when i don’t learn something new.
to kathi Cook's comment
PS Yes definitely add a few flowers and herbs. Basil and parsley are good ,pretty fillers. I especially love globe basil which makes a very cute edging almost like a boxwood.
to kathi Cook's comment
Great idea! Growing some of our own food gets a little more important each day. Even “old” gardeners can learn something.
to Robin Follette's comment
Yes! I think it sounds like a great idea. The first few years I started growing were fantastic but lately due to uncontrollable circumstances my veggie garden has been pretty pathetic. I have three old water tanks that have recently been cut into thirds and are nearly ready to be planted out.
to sue's comment
I would definitely be following this series, although our planting times are different here in the south. I’d love to see updates each week. All of your suggestions sound good to me! Thanks for helping others to get further along in their goals.
to daisy's comment
I have a 4×4 raised bed and I have managed to squeeze in both zucchini and tomatoes, but they both took over by mid summer. I have found that tomatoes in that small space work best paired with root vegetables that can be harvested early. With a 5×5 bed you would have an extra 8 square feet.
I second someones recommendation to grow beans instead of peas. I have had problems growing peas, but my pole beans grow like crazy. I also find root vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs easy to grow.
Even though I find root vegetables easy to grow in my raised bed, I have had less luck in the ground when I lived in Texas. A seed kit would be nice for uniformity, but may not work for everyone. I imagine you will likely have a shorter growing season this year, since your move. I can not seem to grow tomatoes from seed before it freezes. I buy plants and still only get ripe tomatoes at the end of the season.
to Bonnie Fowler's comment
Keeping everything “5” might be easy to remember.
Radishes
Tomatoes
Squash
Beans
Strawberries
to Maybelline's comment
What a wonderful idea. Even though I have had a garden for years, it is still nice to go back to the beginning. This year I have decided to keep our big garden but also do a smaller garden with just herbs and possibly hops. We shall see what happens.
to Adelina Anderson's comment
Hi! so fun- we are having a poorly shaped Osage Orange taken out of the side yard, (and used for carving and heating by a friend) so I will have about 10 x 20 to start in the side yard. I have grown before, and had a work-share on a farm for 2 years so I think I can manage that.
5×5 or 5×10 is great for a new gardener.
How many kinds? depends if the gardener has any experience. I think its good for new gardeners to get a taste of rotational gardening- early peas and lettuce, followed with peppers and tomatoes, or something like that.
Id add some herbs. Chives are easy and the blooms are great in salads and stir fry.
Seed collection? I dont know why not, those kits are cute.
to Kelli Hinn's comment
This is a great idea! I was just talking with Walter about possibly attempting to be a better gardener this summer. I think I’ve given up on tomatoes though, and will plan to buy those at the farmer’s market, or mooch off of my mother-in-law. My tomato plants end up droopy and on the ground, and last year I had a ton of them but the tops split and they rotted, I assume because it was such a dry summer? I have no problem growing squash. I end up with so much squash that I get mad at it for growing so well (I’m a really weird gardener). I’ve been looking through some seed catalogues, and I’m thinking, peas, variety of lettuce, spinach, broccoli, carrots, and maybe something else. We have a fairly large garden plot–I think 15X30, but last year I split it with my father-in-law because I realized my gardening failure during my first attempt. Some things I’d really like to grow include: garlic, onions and asparagus. Anyway, I am so excited about your new blogging/gardening project. Thank you for the inspiration!
to Sierra N Hampl's comment
This is just what I need! I hope it will include when to start seeds and what not and some notes as to what you are doing at the time in your big garden! How about adding peppers to your list?
to angie h's comment
First of all, yes, yes, and YES. We are beginner gardeners. My husband and I started out with two herb gardens and recently expanded. We live in a heavily wooded area in WV so we are limited to what we can grow. Lettuces, peas, potatoes, and herbs. lots of herbs. Any gardening tips, suggestions, advice is always welcome.
to Katie's comment
Great idea! And I agree with the others – beans over peas. Even here in Canada, the peas are pretty much done by late June, while pole beans are still producing in the fall.
And what about root veggies? Something easy, like carrots or radishes?
Not to make it tooooooo complicated (!), but you could even do something with different “levels”” beginner, plant lettuce; more than beginner, plant lettuce, radishes and scallions for a “salad” garden.
to K.B.'s comment
I think this is a great idea! Would love to follow along and help out. I wouldn’t be able to plant a separate garden, but I might plant some of the same veggies. Peas and lettuce wouldn’t work well for Southern gardeners. It’s already pea planting time here and lettuce gets really bitter after April down South. I agree that some type of bean would be a great idea. I think a pole bean would be a good choice– high yields in less space. I love filets but I don’t think you could plant enough in a 5×5 bed to get a decent harvest.
Adding a herb and flower are definitely good ideas- basil sounds nice and marigolds are small and would help attract beneficials to the garden.
I kinda think the veggies may need to be tailored to the area of the country, maybe divide it up into sections and have five veggies for the zone you garden in. For hotter zones, okra is a great choice- very easy to grow and extremely drought tolerant. Hard to kill as well! Although you might need closer to a 4×8 bed to add okra in. A type of pepper would be nice as well if there was room.
to Melissa's comment
This is a great idea, and I definitely would play along! I started a garden for the first time last year and groundhogs ate it ALL before I could benefit from the fruits of my labor. I’m building a fence and starting all over again this year.
to Alice's comment
Ground hogs… dig a trench around your garden and install your fencing into the ground.. Just googled this:
If you decide to fence the garden to keep groundhogs out, the fence must be 3 or 4 feet high. Groundhogs are also good diggers, so dig down and bury the fence about 1 foot deep. An alternative to burying the fence is to fold the fence away from the garden at the bottom and extend it along the surface of the ground for 6 to 12 inches. That will prevent them from being able to dig under the fence.
Read more: How to Keep Groundhogs Out of a Garden | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2079933_keep-groundhogs-out-garden.html#ixzz2I9waew00
Good luck!!
to KimH's comment
This is a great idea!! I live in the city right now, so no garden for me, but I would still love to read your posts and people’s suggestions and comments so that when I move out of the city in the next few years I’ll be all set to start a great garden. Thanks!!
to Dana's comment
Do you know about the project 10000 new gardens? I think it is an international project although maybe just regional, not really sure, anyways they help want to be gardeners set up a plot, they bring all the materials and help you prepare it. We utilized their services twice now and have found it to be a great way to meet other gardeners and find out about local growing conditions. I thought this might be of interest to some of your readers.
to amber jackson's comment
I’ve been around gardens my whole life, but this summer will be my first year with more than a small 4×8 plot of my own, and it will include several new garden beds that we broke sod for in the fall. So, yes! I think a series like this would be wonderful and extremely helpful.
The “fives” sound pretty good, with the exception of zucchini. I personally find that it needs a lot of space and tends to compete with the tomatoes. I would recommend swapping them out with bush beans. They are so easy to grow in many different conditions, can be planted all the way up until the beginning of July in most northern zones, and are tasty right off the plant.
to Johanna's comment
Would you be interested in a series like this?
YES! Even as an ‘experienced’ gardener, I enjoy reading about things like this!
Would you join in by planting a garden?
I have enough space to dedicate to a project like this, work alongside everyone~ Why not? Hehe!
Would you be willing to participate as mentor if you’re an experienced gardener?
I have 10+ years under my belt, 5+ working with my own gardens. So yes! I am also Zone 6A – incase it’s best to work with regional differences…
What size garden do you think is a good manageable size for starting out? I’m thinking 5 foot by 5 foot
I think that’s a great size to start! I never reccomend what I did to myself my first year [128 sq ft L-shaped garden, and a 16×16 bed. Haha!] Even three rows of 2ft by 4ft would work! It’s near the same square footage…
How many different kinds of vegetables should be planted? I’m thinking 5
Yep! Nice n’ small, easy to manage!
What kinds of vegetables do you think are best for beginners? tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, and peas are among my top choices so far.
Beans! I almost ignore my beans till it’s time to harvest. Spinach is another good easily rewardable veg to grow!
Do you think it would be easiest to choose a seed collection from a seed company (like the EZ to Grow Rainbow Kitchen Collection from Renee’s Garden?)
I also reccomend the Botanical Interests Collections! I started up my herb garden with the Chef’s Herb Garden Collection and even though everything is annual other than the Chives, Oregano and the Rosemary [which is in a pot] there is enough seeds for at least two BIG crops per year!
And they are inexpensive. Always a plus!
Do you think any herbs and flowers should be included? I was thinking basil & marigolds for companion planting
I totally agree! Marigolds are one of the more rewarding flowers to plant, not only because they are ridiculously easy, but insects like them! I’d like to also include Morning Glories, which I know are kind of invasive in the right location, but I swear to them now since I grew some amongst my zucchini and NEVER had a pollination problem!
The MG flowers bloomed right with the zuke flowers, so even when I could hand-pollinate the early-rising bee’s did it for me!
Oops! Forgive me, I could rammble on… hahhaha! But yes! I like this very much~
to Donna B.'s comment
I love this! I think once a week updates would be awesome. I am moving out to a farm in a month or so and if you can believe it, it doesn’t have a SINGLE garden! So I will be starting from scratch too. And a refresher course is always a good thing, I think, for even the most advanced gardeners. :)
to Carrie's comment
I think this is a great idea Suzy! I’m not a new gardener, but certainly feel like one every year when Mother Nature takes all control out of my hands :) I think your selection is perfect for new beginner as it will have positive results. I am in agreement though that zucchini is not particularly space friendly, but there should still be enough room.
5 X 5 is very manageable and while it seems small, will really generate a lot of produce. Marigolds definitely, but don’t replace a vegetable with them as I think one of the ideas is to grow your own food, so don’t take that away before beginning. As a companion, yes!
to Jaye's comment
I agree with your idea. I have gardened since I was 6 or so I suppose, with a filed down short handle hoe, and on my own for about 30 years. I would try to help if possible, I’m in NW cebtral Ohio zone 5B-6A. Susie- your thoughts sound very good. I won’t be digging up sod but if there’s anything you have a question about, which I doubt, I’ll try to help. Maybe get more folks to try gardening and next year they’ll want to do more.
to Deb Berning's comment
I love this idea and need the inspiration. Be sure you include how you amend the soil. I’m in an entirely different zone (deep South), so for me it would be nice if you put your plan out a little early. You could do that I think, and help us see how plans are just that and are changed as needed.
to Diane's comment
SEEDLINGS!!!! Please show how to start seeds indoors step by step. When and how. Thank you.
to Martha's comment
I think its a great idea! I am brand new to gardening and nervous as can be. I grew up with my parents having one but the only thing us kids ever did was turn on/off the water and pick veggies. I would love to see start to finish. Nothing too fancy or complicated. I would to do tomatoes, corn, 2 kinds of peppers, cucumbers and watermelons.
to amanda georges's comment
That sounds great!
to Becky's comment
Wow, Susy, I think you struck a need by having a beginner garden to blog about. It’s great that you will start with bustin’ the sod. It will be quite interesting to see how you put all your garden knowledge to use on a from the sod state to a producing garden. In my experience the first year will not be as productive as the following years. My sod busting and soil amending last year was a necessary. I believe the first step in the successful garden is the soil. Without attention to the soil, harvest will be mediocre at best. The best step for a productive garden begins in the fall. I just want to encourage people out there that are inspired to begin a garden. If the first year doesn’t turn out like you think it should, don’t give up. Gardening is a great experience and sometimes it’s not about how much harvest you get but about the learning experiences along the journey. After a life of touch and go gardens, I still have failures and disappointments. That’s just gardening.
I expect under Susy’s mentoring that those that follow her ideas will have a much better chance of having a garden that will be the envy of the neighborhood. Perhaps, even in the first year. Good luck to all in gardening year 2013.
to Nebraska Dave's comment
What a fabulous idea! I would love to follow along… and I wish I had had your expert advice in starting small when, years ago, soon after we’d moved onto our current 10 acres of land, my husband hopped onto his brand new John Deere tractor and rototilled a whopping quarter acre of land way at the back of our property (a half day’s hike from the house) for our “kitchen garden.” That ambition has been long-since abandoned for a much more modest set of containers closer in to the house, but there have been several times I’ve nearly given up on gardening altogether except for herbs and green beans.
Am echoing several others here in this wish, but green beans have really kept me coming back to the garden year after year. They make delicious pickles and provide the basis for a wonderful range of salads for much of the summer: for me, they would be at the top of the list, along with some kind of salad green, basil, dill, and arugula.
My failures (tomatos, pumpkins, corn, flowers in general, and every lettuce that bolts before I get around to harvesting it) outnumber my successes (herbs, garlic, green beans), so I don’t have much expertise to contribute. Would be happy, though, to share my own experiences.
Definitely a high interest topic — thanks!
to anno's comment
Yes, yes, yes! I think 5×5 is very manageable. My husband and I started way too big, and even though we downsized a lot last year (let the 25×35′ traditional plot go back to the cows and built a new space with 6 4×8 raised beds and 2 2×8′ raised beds), it still ended up being too much with all we had going on last year. We’re expecting a baby in July, so I’m hoping to convince my husband to let at least a couple of the big beds go fallow this year (cover crops or flowers only, maybe?), and pare down the rest. For instance, despite his insistence last year, we did NOT need 32 square feet each of broccoli and cauliflower for the two of us!
As for seeds, I’ve always loved reading about heirloom varieties from other gardeners (you, Matron of Husbandry), and pursuing catalogs like Territorial Seed Company’s. I personally enjoy choosing things out of the racks at the farm store, and rarely go with the big companies’ stuff. (I also want nothing to do with Monsanto varieties, which are SO prevalent.) I think your veggie suggestions are great. Radishes are also super easy. Definitely include some herbs and flowers (beware oregano, though…in my area it’s invasive and hard to get rid of!). I had cosmos, dahlias and marigolds this year, along with sweet alyssum in my tomato and strawberry/lettuce beds. Companion planting is fun to explore, too.
I can’t wait to watch your series unfold!
to Amy's comment
I’m excited to join in.
I don’t have enough experience to be a mentor, am interested in being “mented” by someone in my area. I know there’s another regular reader/podcast listener (and blogger) who lives about 90 miles from me so we share a common climate. I wonder if she’d be willing to mentor me?
I have 4×8 raised beds so one of those will work for sure.
The mix-of-5 makes sense with some additional herb/flower companions.
I’d really like a mix that allows for rotation planting.
I like the idea of using a seed collection but is there one universal enough for our diverse geography? Or could you solicit collection recommendations from folks with experience in our area?
Yes, please, on some companions. Basil and marigolds or other beneficial companions.
to Melanie in Ca's comment
Sounds like fun! For flowers/herbs, beyond what you mentioned, I like growing nasturtium. It’s easy to grow, looks pretty, and is edible. I believe it also a useful companion plant but don’t recall the specifics.
to Trish's comment
Love it!!! I have gardened for a long time but LOVE new ideas and so excited to see new gardeners learn more!! I like the size, the plant choices and agree with adding marigolds and herbs! Lovely idea Susy!! Can’t wait to watch how your garden grows! I live in Oregon but would love to help people in garden growing! Not an expert but love my little farm, garden and animals!
to Rocky Top Farm's comment
Would you be interested in a series like this?
Sure.. sounds like a great idea & fun.
Would you join in by planting a garden?
I’ll be planting 2-20x30ft gardens at our community garden and have a small one 6x10ish here at my house that is half garlic at the moment.. so sure.
Would you be willing to participate as mentor if you’re an experienced gardener?
Sure.. Not sure how you plan to execute this one, but Im always happy to help when & how I can.
What size garden do you think is a good manageable size for starting out? I’m thinking 5 foot by 5 foot-
sure..sounds good. I started my very own first garden with 5 – 4’x50′ sq.ft rows.. haha.. My neighbors who were all experienced elderly gardeners thought I was insane at my newfangled ideas.. that was in the mid 80s.. haha.. It was overly ambitious however, the gardens turned out great! Thank God I didnt work outside the home then or I couldnt have accomplished it. I believed I could, and I did.. Good thing too.. that food was much needed. ;)
How many different kinds of vegetables should be planted? I’m thinking 5- sure..
What kinds of vegetables do you think are best for beginners? tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, and peas are among my top choices so far.
Bush tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, bush beans, & radish are always my #1 beginners choices. Pole beans are ok too and produce more over a long term so either or. I still plant bush beans myself. I’ve never had success with peas in Ohio.. (yes to inoculation) Personally I think its because I cant get into my community garden when its really the correct time to grow them. I think lettuce is a tougher green to grow, especially due to climate/region issues, but I will say that it would be wonderful for new beginners to see how to grow lettuce and just have to remember to apply it to their own region in the correct timeframe. It is as easy to grow as throwing the seeds down & scattering some soil around..
Do you think it would be easiest to choose a seed collection from a seed company (like the EZ to Grow Rainbow Kitchen Collection from Renee’s Garden?)
They’re nice, but I think it would be easier for folks to buy their own when & how they can. There is a kind of magic to a new gardener when they go to the garden store & get to handle all those seed packets.. Heck.. theres a kind of magic for old gardeners too. ;)
Do you think any herbs and flowers should be included? I was thinking basil & marigolds for companion planting
Sure.. basil and marigolds are wonderful. Parsley is easy to grow as well..
to KimH's comment
potatoes are also an easy first year plant..
to KimH's comment
Bravo! Brilliant idea, Susy. I’ve been trying to beef up on my gardening skills through some permaculture books this past year, but i am really bad at gleaning things from books…much more of a kinesthetic-visual learner here.
We are planting the greenhouse and the garden this year (with the potential for market sales?!?!) and are hoping to make some huge improvements to the soil. Found a source for greensand, like you suggested, so that is going in along with some organic Moo Doo from a farm down the road.
I’ve never started a garden by hand before–always been till and fill with starts–even since i was a little girl in my parent’s garden. Seeing the error in this recently; just the last couple years we’ve been trying to do more by hand. I don’t know what kind of mentoring you need, but i can try if needed…certain there are more qualified here than i. I’m a mad tomato gardener though. :)
25 sq ft seems managable for a newcomer. There should be room for the tomato with a trellis, and a zucc if you keep the plants out on the edges, eh? It’s funny how people show such reverence for plants that we don’t consider trimming them a little when they outgrow their space. I planted squash in the greenhouse last year, and from mid-summer on i was taking at least 2 or 3 leaves off the zucchini plants every few weeks, so we could maintain the pathways. Still had a ton of zucchini. Some of the tomatoes lost half of their plant, just so the fruit would catch more sunshine and the vines would stay on the path to the roof and not sprawled on the floor.
I understand what commenters are saying about green beans, but i totally get where you are going with this…you don’t want to pile a boat load of seed starting on new gardeners, because then it feels too heavy, too chore like. Peas are a good one, especially to highlight their soaking they need before sowing. Lettuce seeds are so small that the skills learned there would be good for other smalls like carrots or dill. It’s a good idea…one i read about in Seattle Urban Farming Co.’s new book–grow one certain type of seed and you learn a skills set that can be applied to a number of other crops.
Your ideas of keeping the number of plantings to a simple few are spot on, but i guess my suggestion would be to incorporate a little more companion planting with a few herbs and flowers (chives definitely–they make great borders, and maybe a borage or two for the bees and some calendula for a fancy flower salad?), as it not only helps fill in the area (read less bare ground = less weeding) but it helps stoke this idea of permaculture…that we, as new or old gardeners, should be striving to create a natural habit, that can produce food for both the critters and us, as opposed to digging up sod, exposing bare earth to erosion and potentially inadvertantly planting a monocropped stand of “weeds”, using a small percentage of the bare earth to plant industrial-inspired rows of seedlings that we then need to drain precious water resources to keep hydrated, and all while waiting for “the magic” to happen from our lounge chair on the deck with a cool one in our hand. Admittedly, this is a very sarcastic view, but some people i know who “want” to grow their food are frustrated that they can’t just work like a dog once, and eat from their Garden of Eden for the rest of the summer. There are ways that one can reduce the amount of work they need to do in the garden, they can’t get rid of all of it for sure. Sometimes it good to get started off on the right foot so messy habits don’t have to be fixed later. (dismantling soap box now…sorry to preach to the choir) :)
Vertical is the way to grow…especially because most people nowadays live on something as small as 6,000 sq ft of land with a 3,200 sq ft house.
The seed kit idea is a good idea…economical, and a way for newcomers not to get in over their heads trying to pick out one tomato variety from a bazillion in the catalogue. :) As experienced gardeners, we still battle that, eh? Wondering if you could find a deal through a seed company that would let you pull together your own varieties and sell as a Chiot’s “Learning to Garden” Kit…could you see it? :)
Would love to see weekly updates, but please keep balance..make it convenient for you. Like they say “Quality over quantity, eh?”
By the by…talking about “kits”, have you seen Uprising Organics Cherry Tomato Sampler kit?? Oh baby!!!
to whit's comment
I think this is a great idea! I’ve been gardening for a few years now and I’m always interested in picking up new tips, so I will definitely be following along. I’m particularly interested in companion planting right now, so I’d love to see you include a few herbs/flowers too.
to Wendy's comment
I think it is an excellent idea for new gardeners as well as some of us experienced ones….your never to old to learn. I would add carrots and oregano or marjoram along with the basil….I plant my basil right along with my tomatoes. My oregano is in the kitchen garden. Then one would have the makings for a pizza:) I think this has already been said but the different parsley’s would make a nice border.
to amy's comment
Regarding the carrot seed….I believe I got this helpful hint from you;) So that a new gardener or anyone for the matter is not overwhelmed by the seeds and later the weeding….just glue them to a paper towel and then cover them with a bit of dirt….easy peesy. Your going to regret asking all of us what we think…..lol!
to amy's comment
Would you be interested in a series like this?
YES! This is a genius idea, and even with a few years under my belt I know I’ll learn something.
Would you join in by planting a garden?
I can’t start a new one from scratch, but I’ll be following along with my 8 established raised beds.
Would you be willing to participate as mentor if you’re an experienced gardener?
Sure!
What size garden do you think is a good manageable size for starting out? I’m thinking 5 foot by 5 foot
Sounds good to me–people can adjust as needed, and a common mistake is trying to cram too much into too small of a space (particularly with a squash).
How many different kinds of vegetables should be planted? I’m thinking 5
sounds good.
What kinds of vegetables do you think are best for beginners? tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, and peas are among my top choices so far.
Maybe another cool season plant, or easy roots like radishes? A lot of people are suggesting beans instead of peas, but maybe you can follow the lettuce with beans–that way, the soil would be nitrogen-amended in two spots, and you would introduce succession planting (and add another heat lover for the southerners).
Do you think it would be easiest to choose a seed collection from a seed company (like the EZ to Grow Rainbow Kitchen Collection from Renee’s Garden?)
Maybe not because different regions will want to select differently?
Do you think any herbs and flowers should be included? I was thinking basil & marigolds for companion planting
Yes, and for the beginner they are nearly guaranteed success with herbs.
I look forward to this. I assume you will be digging the sod and not smothering since you are not starting very far in advance? Good information I needed as a beginner was edging and specially what to do about grubs, which are abundant in sod and more of a problem now than when I started.
to Val's comment
I think your gardening series is a fabulous idea. I’m a Master Gardener, own an organic heirloom plant nursery, and mentor school gardens in SC–I’d love to be a mentor.
I would focus on the plants that are fairly simple to grow and not too many–but PLEASE do add in herbs and flowers, both for companion planting and integrated pest management. Also, what’s nicer than cutting a few flowers to add to the kitchen table? Sometimes gardening needs to be about pure pleasure, in my opinion.
Tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, radishes for summer; peas, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, and any brassicas for spring or fall gardens. All are delicious and easy.
I have several charts I’ve done for seed starting, companion planting, and IPM that are on my blog, which I’d be happy to share.
I think this is a lovely ideas! The more gardeners, the merrier!
Cheers!
to Julie's comment
I think it’s a great idea. I would start a new bed but I promised my husband that this year we would have no new beds. I have primarily raised beds but also about 100 square feet of garden space (in native soil) bordering my raised beds. I began with one 8×4 bed and my garden has grown considerably since then. I chose 8×4 because lumber is sold in lengths of 8 ft. so I only had to make one cut to make the bed. However, if not raised, 5×5 would be a good start.
I imagine it would be very difficult to pick the plants due to regional differences. I plant peas, carrots and potatoes around Valentine’s Day. That would be pure crazy in Maine. For summer plantings I would recommend pole beans, cherry tomato, basil, dill, pepper and maybe a swiss chard. You could probably squeeze in a couple of lettuce plants early on until it got too hot.
Because of the regional issues, I would have the gardeners access seeds on their own. Some varieties work better in one area but not in others, ie. pole beans. Kentucky Wonders work fantastically well for me, but i can’t seem to get a good crop of Lazy Wife Greasy beans if my life depended on it. (and dang it, they are sooooo good.) I suggest dill because it is such a magnet for beneficial insects as well as its yummy taste in pickles and summer salads. For me, Swiss chard is a great crop that has been easy for me to grow. And some varieties are just beautiful in the garden. Basil is also easy and quick to harvest which is always nice. Always nice with tomatoes in my opinion.
This could be a fun project!
to Heidi's comment
Count me in!!! I’ve been trying to learn for a couple years now and finally feel like this year I may be able to pull it off.
to Amy P's comment
I am a beginning gardener and would definitely be interested in this. I have never grown more than a few containers, which is what I plan to do again this year.
Living in the PNW and having a shady lot, I now stick to herbs and greens. I would love to hear tips for growing things with less sunlight. I have unsuccessfully tried tomatoes, squash, and peppers.
to Elaine's comment
Would you be interested in a series like this?
YES!
Would you join in by planting a garden?
Yes. I’m a new gardener.
What size garden do you think is a good manageable size for starting out?
5 foot by 5 foot will be a good size.
How many different kinds of vegetables should be planted?
5 sounds manageable.
Do you think it would be easiest to choose a seed collection from a seed company (like the EZ to Grow Rainbow Kitchen Collection from Renee’s Garden?)
Sounds good.
Do you think any herbs and flowers should be included?
Basil & marigolds for companion planting would be great.
to DebbieB's comment
Sounds great Susy! Though I’m a fairly experienced gardener, I’m sure that I’ll learn a lot. If anyone needs a mentor, I’d love to help out. I second the ‘beans instead of peas’ sentiment, though I LOVE my snap peas! Basil would be a must in my book, but since I don’t like zucchini that would be an easy switch.
to Joan's comment
Sounds like you have a winner of an idea! :) Yes, I’d be willing to help out when possible. Yes, I’ll have my own large garden going at the same time. What to start with? I think I’d go with a cherry tomato, lettuce, carrots (a short variety), lemon cucumber (to avoid a possible bitterness issue), zucchini or other summer squash. Or substitute beans for one of those – peas still stump me. I think 5×5 would be a little small – my zucchini and one tomato plant squished together would fill that entirely. Flowers – zinnia’s are fool-hardy for me, beautiful in the garden and a cutting flower for the table. Herbs – still learning on that one, but dill has been easy for me (liberally reseeding) as well as being useful in the kitchen and for beneficials. There’s my two cents!
to KimP's comment
Would you be interested in a series like this? YES – LOVE THIS IDEA
Would you join in by planting a garden? I would. I’ve gardened with my 4-Hers, but I really know nothing besides getting lucky and watering things, and there’s a lot of basics I’d like to learn. I’ve tried to garden a few times at my house, but the cows have always broken in at some point, and I’ve been relegated to to hanging flowers only for the past few years.
What size garden do you think is a good manageable size for starting out? I’m thinking 5 foot by 5 foot – I’d like something larger, especially if it needs some fence. Maybe lay out guidelines for the time and $$ involved per square foot and let others decide what they can manage?
How many different kinds of vegetables should be planted? I’m thinking 5 ; What kinds of vegetables do you think are best for beginners? tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, and peas are among my top choices so far. – that’s so few, and lettuce and peas are different seasons from zucchini and tomatoes. Maybe keep it simple but not too simple, like beets, spinach, peas, lettuce in spring, then tomatoes, zukes, cukes, corn for the hot months? I’d like to see companion planting, lots of utilization of space, no matter what the size. And if not in this series, I’d love to see something on growing strawberries.
Do you think it would be easiest to choose a seed collection from a seed company (like the EZ to Grow Rainbow Kitchen Collection from Renee’s Garden?) This would be easier for some, and discouragement for others. If someone offers you money or offers readers a discount, maybe base the selection on that (?)
Do you think any herbs and flowers should be included? I was thinking basil & marigolds for companion planting – Absolutely, especially lower care varieties that yield nicely and support beneficials. Pretty much, I think if you stick to all the facets of what you yourself do and lay it out as what to do each week, you don’t need to oversimplify the process. It’s a ton of info and different tasks, but if we don’t know how bad it’s going to be, we’ll be fine! I’d like to see updates towards the end of the work week to allow for taking action on Saturday while it’s still fresh in my mind.
to Rebecca's comment
I think it’s a great idea. I love following you, as our climates are very similar, and I would love to help if I can.
I’m working on expanding my gardens this year and am grateful you’ve mentioned Baker Creek so often. They’re going to be getting my first order soon.
to Annette's comment
This is a great idea. I am a recent homeowner in the city and this year will be our second with gardening. The hardest part last year was keeping up with succession planting (I’m in TN so we have pretty much a continuous growing season). Also, I think companion planting would be very helpful for new gardeners. I planted basil and marigolds last year and they worked quite nicely. This year I will be planting bush beans around my asparagus as you recommended. It would be good to talk about easy plants to start with and how to prep the soil for future plants (I think the asparagus was planted sooner than we were prepared for it).
It might also be helpful to know what to do with all the vegetables you’ll get from the garden. Zucchini in particular! At some point one loses their appetite for zucchini bread.
to Amanda H's comment