I Want To Start A Vegetable Garden.

So I want to start a vegetable garden. I've grown things before, I was pretty successful and as it turns out growing shit is addictive. So anyways my plan is this: I have ALOT of beautiful looking sandstone that I want to use to make a raised garden bed. I was thinking 2 rows each row about 3' wide by 15' long with a path in between them. I have been scoping the sun out the last few weeks and the southwest side of my property gets the best sun which is sweet because the garden will fit perfect there and I will have access from every which way. I have acouple different varieties of tomatoes, peppers and beans started under a light and have 9 of each of them. So what words of wisdom or encouragement can you give me? Links?

Remember to space all your plants properly. Do some research for all your plants. I'd suggest adding compost to your soil & maybe some kelp meal,fish meal,guanos, dolomite lime, oyster shell flour, epsom salt & mix all that into the soil.

Biggest worry would be pests & other critters trying to eat/kill your plants, especially when they are young.

purpz said:

Remember to space all your plants properly. Do some research for all your plants. I'd suggest adding compost to your soil & maybe some kelp meal,fish meal,guanos, dolomite lime, oyster shell flour, epsom salt & mix all that into the soil.

Biggest worry would be pests & other critters trying to eat/kill your plants, especially when they are young.

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Thanks bro I definitely plan on reading up. I need to brush up on my soil too as I've always grown the other way. The critters are something I've been thinking about too. I have seen deer, rabbits and chipmunks here so I'll have to think of someway to deter them.

Here's a helpful site ~~~> http://www.small-farm-permaculture-and-sustainable-living.com/planting_companion_vegetables_and_herbs.html

I'm putting in a full garden this year and posting info as I go also, the links in my sig.

420God said:

Here's a helpful site ~~~> http://www.small-farm-permaculture-and-sustainable-living.com/planting_companion_vegetables_and_herbs.html

I'm putting in a full garden this year and posting info as I go also, the links in my sig.

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Awesome bro, thanks for the link. Will definitely being popping in on your garden.

Check your location. Tomatoes and peppers like full sun. Check at different times. I made that mistake my 1st year in new house. Looked sunny, built garden without realizing that morning and afternoon was shady. Only got 3-4 hours of sun. Bad crop that first year

Defcon9 said:

Check your location. Tomatoes and peppers like full sun. Check at different times. I made that mistake my 1st year in new house. Looked sunny, built garden without realizing that morning and afternoon was shady. Only got 3-4 hours of sun. Bad crop that first year

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Thanks bro, I have been scoping it out at different times.

Is it somewhat safe to assume that where my grass is higher is where the yard gets more sun?

neosapien said:

Thanks bro, I have been scoping it out at different times.

Is it somewhat safe to assume that where my grass is higher is where the yard gets more sun?

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Or more water, septic systems, springs, etc can cause these also. So if you are concerned it is water not sun, just dig a little hole and see if it fills with water. Don't want to plant on top of a septic tank or leech field either, so if you are not on a city sewage system, then make sure you know where your septic system all lies.

TruenoAE86coupe said:

Or more water, septic systems, springs, etc can cause these also. So if you are concerned it is water not sun, just dig a little hole and see if it fills with water. Don't want to plant on top of a septic tank or leech field either, so if you are not on a city sewage system, then make sure you know where your septic system all lies.

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That's some good info thanks. I am on city sewage but I will dig a hole just to be thorough.

Check with your local county extension agent as well. They usually have tons of information on local soils types, amendments, pests and varieties of veggies that do well in your area. Most will also test your soil for a small fee (sometimes for free) to determine if you need macro/micronutrients added. Like the other members suggested though, sunlight is the most important resource for a fast growing, productive vegetable garden so avoid shade at any cost. A word of warning though, vegetable gardening can be very addicting, especially after you have tasted the difference in homegrown vs. generally tasteless produce from your local grocery. I started 17 years ago with a small 8'x12' raised bed to grow a few tomatoes and peppers. As it is right now fully 1/3 of my back lawn is being cultivated and I still want more as I have the yin to grow corn, watermelons and cucumbers (needs tons of space).