Organic Vegetable Garden (OVG), July 3rd:
Many urban and suburban gardeners may believe that there is no room for vegetables in their yards. A successful vegetable garden is dependent on many things—adequate sun, sufficient water, pest and weed control, and appropriate rotation of crops. Square foot gardening is a system that is designed to simplify vegetable gardening while at the same time increasing the yield. It is also a way to optimize space and reduce effort. Using these techniques, gardeners can grow vegetables in attractive raised beds that are either solely dedicated to vegetables or include a mix of vegetables and flowers.
At the MGNV Organic Vegetable Garden in Potomac Overlook Park we have a variety of vegetable growing in our raised bed garden. These include tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, carrots, radishes, lettuce, squash, and a watermelon plant.
Building your Raised Bed
Identify appropriate spot. Vegetables need sun to thrive. Fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes need at least 8 hours per day, rooting vegetables and leaf vegetables need less.- Build your bed. Experts recommend building a bed of at least six inches of depth.
- Add soil. You can buy soil mixed specifically for raised beds or mix your own.
- Plan your garden. Consider season and rotation of plants.
- Select plants. Seeds can be started indoors or directly sown.
For more information….
Bartholomew, Mel. All New Square Foot Gardening: Grow More in Less Space. Brentwood, TN: Cool Springs Press, 2006.