How to Garden

DESIGNING A VEGETABLE GARDEN

6 STEPS TO CREATING A SUCCESSFUL GARDEN 

STEP 01 : PLANNING

Pick a location. Think about the sun orientation as plants need adequate sun and proximity to water. At this point it is also important to think about the size of the garden.

STEP 02: LAND CLEAN UP

Clear the ground and get rid of unsolicited plants. To improve the soil, add 2 to 3 layers of compost, decayed leaves, dry grass clippings or old manure. If you decide to dig the soil, mix the organic matter into the soil. To dig, use a spade or a spading fork to turn the top layers of soil while mixing in the organic matter. If you decide not to dig, leave the organic matter on the surface of the soil.

STEP 03: PICK YOUR PLANTS

Pick your Plants. What kind of resource or vegetables are you growing? Pick according to soil, climate, and sun orientation. Feel free to pick a variety of plants that could work together! Decide if you want to start with seeds or buy plants.

STEP 04: LAYING OUT GARDEN PLAN

Lay out your garden plan according to your choice, as some vegetables or plants need more space. Keep in mind that some vegetables are not necessarily meant to be harvested together due to weather conditions. Decide the style of your garden by either implementing rows, wide rows, four-square or free-form.

PROS AND CONS OF EACH STYLE

ROWS:
P: good air circulation, easy weeding, easy harvesting.
C: takes up more space than wide rows.

WIDE ROWS:
P: more plants with less space, shade out weeds and soil requires less water than usual.
C: not all crops/plants would benefit from that crowded arrangement.

FOUR-SQUARE:
P: because it’s raised beds, you don’t walk on the soil, seasonal switch-ups are easy. Raised beds drains better than level soil and it warms faster in the spring.
C: semi-permanent structure and formal symmetry.

FREE-FORM :
P : attracts more pollinators and no restriction on the amount of plants.
C: can be difficult to maintain as it is difficult to remove weeds and to harvest.

STEP 05: KEEP IT UP

Water the plants frequently. How often the vegetables need water depends on the humidity, how often it rains, and the soil. Make sure to pull out the weeds and add fertilizers. Most importantly, take care of it. When the vegetables are ready, it's time to harvest!

Step 06: SHARE YOUR VEGETABLES WITH THE COMMUNITY

Contribute to the well-being of the community and share some of what you have cultivated. This will build a stronger sense of community. Don't forget to share your expertise with those around you!