help with planning my courtyard garden
ana474
5 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (23)
jane__ny
5 years agoana474
5 years agoRelated Discussions
help me plan out my garden...chart inside
Comments (1)Just some ideas: You have 3 plants that need full sun. The tomatoes will grow the largest and you don't want them shading the other plants. Marigold and basil are good companions to tomatoes. The peppers and eggplant would probably do fairly well in containers. In reality, each tomato could use at least 4 squares. Unless you cage and/or prune....See MoreHelp me plan my little vegetable garden
Comments (4)Most of these types of containers come with recommendations for filler but if yours didn't then the norm is any quality soil-less potting mix. There are many brands available but the key is no soil, no dirt. Most contain peat, vermiculite or perlite, some bark fines, some lime to balance the pH, and some mild form of fertilizer (either organic or slo-release synthetics). You'll find more info on fillers for containers over on the Container Gardening forum here. I agree with all Lisa said, especially that your list is a big one for such a small container unless you only want a few of each with limited production. I'd suggest you find other containers for your strawberries and herbs and save the space for the plants that require more room. Plus they have very different nutrient needs. If this Rustic Elevated Bed is what you are talking about then about all it is going to hold is about 4-5 bush bean plants, a short 2 foot row of green onions, a couple of heads of lettuce, 1 jalapeno pepper plant (they aren't small plants), and even that is going to be crowded. You can plant your lettuce and onions from seed if you wish and in your location should get at least 1 crop of lettuce (use leaf rather than head lettuce as it needs much less room) and some onions but they need to be planted ASAP. Better yet buy transplants for both. Good luck and enjoy your new project. Just don't try to over-crowd everything as you'll end up with little production. Sometimes planting less = getting more. :-) Dave...See MoreHelp planning my first 8x8 vegetable garden.
Comments (13)Like I said depends on the varieties you choose. How much gardening experience do you have? Using proper spacing can be vital for success for new gardeners. Old hands know some of the tricks that can let them sneak extra in. Also keep in mind that if you have more yard room, especially out away from the tall fence where the sun exposure will be better, you can grow sun loving things in big containers too. Given the beds orientation and your location you will get good sun on the back corner only in the late morning to early afternoon IF the house or other structures or IF other plant don't shade it more. In that front N corner you could fit 2 regular tomato plants with some pruning or 3 with heavy pruning. But that would be the max I think. Dave...See MoreNeed help planning my backyard veggie garden - Georgia, USA
Comments (7)Thanks for all the suggestions! Will let it sink in and come up with a plan. Had some more questions. Looks like it will be helpful to dig out existing grass bed and mulch irrespective of in-ground or raised beds, will do that. Are there any tools/devices I can use to make this task easier other than a spade and a wet ground? I also like in-ground as it will mean more planting area, but we have used lawn care in the past, almost 10 years but past 3 years have only used fertilizer and spot weed control. Will that have damaged the soil a lot? Red worms is a great idea, will it be useful for in-ground and pots too? We are in Zone 7b. Soil we have is red clay. I plan to plant a sub set of the veggies I have listed and do a rotation every year. Any suggestions on how to get soil tested and how to use the results? The backyard gets a lot of sun, with sun rising along the fence edge (where the back and side fences meet) in the picture. The house shadow seen is at 4 in the afternoon. Any suggestions on where to setup trellis for beans and other creeper vegetables which can block the sun for the smaller plants? I know I have work to do before I get to that stage, but just to have an idea. Btw, I plan to remove that small tree on the side of the plots. Also the soil in our existing beds has become very weedy ( side effect of using horse manure, looks like it had ingested lot of seeds) with harmful soil bugs like grubs, gnats etc. Should the soil be replaced or can I still salvage it? One of the beds has wild mint which grows back ferociously every year, how much ever I try to remove. Thanks again!...See MoreUser
5 years agobea (zone 9a -Jax area)
5 years agosultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish)
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoana474
5 years agoana474
5 years agoUser
5 years agoana474
5 years agoana474
5 years agoirma_stpete_10a
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agowritersblock (9b/10a)
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoana474
5 years agowritersblock (9b/10a)
5 years agosharon2079
5 years agosultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish)
5 years agoana474
5 years agosultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish)
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agowritersblock (9b/10a)
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agosultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish)
5 years agowritersblock (9b/10a)
5 years agoKathryn White
2 years ago
Related Stories
LIFEConsider Avoiding These Plants to Help Keep Your Garden Fire-Safe
Plants that accumulate dead material, are high in oil or have low moisture content in leaves put some homes at risk
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Plan Your Edible Garden
Get organized before you plant to ensure that your fruits and vegetables have a chance to thrive
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESWhat Are Your Spring Gardening Plans?
Tearing out the lawn? Planting edibles? Starting from scratch? Tell us what you plan to change in your garden this year
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNWhat the Heck Is a Ha-Ha, and How Can It Help Your Garden?
Take cues from a historical garden feature to create security and borders without compromising a view
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNNative Plants Help You Find Your Garden Style
Imagine the garden of your dreams designed with plants indigenous to your region
Full StoryROOM OF THE DAYDream Greenhouse Helps a Pennsylvania Couple Garden Year-Round
An addition to a historic Bucks County stone farmhouse complements the architecture and provides views out to a pond
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES12 Tips to Help You Start an Edible Garden
Get on your way to growing your own vegetables with a raised bed or a few containers on the patio
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNThe Best Winter Garden Project? Plan for Next Year
Consider these 9 ideas now for a highly personal, truly enjoyable garden come spring
Full StoryPATIOSPeek Inside 12 Romantic Courtyards and Walled Gardens
Lush plantings, weathered materials and privacy rule in these want-to-be-there outdoor rooms
Full StoryGARDENING 101Key Pruning Terms to Help You Shape Up Your Garden
Learn why heading back, crown raising and other practices are essential for your plants’ health and beauty
Full Story
writersblock (9b/10a)