Since I’ve planned and designed my garden two years ago, I also had to go through the “planting” stage. Building (or reusing) garden beds, adding and fixing last year’s irrigation, and getting the planting done. Here’s where all the magic happens and I’m excited to share my experience with you.
Here are a few photos of my empty beds before I did any planting. I am not that handy when it comes to this sort of work, so I hired someone to help me make the beds. Sunshine Services, which is based out in Folsom, CA does a bit of everything, and Jeff is the person who built my greenhouse, too. They do excellent work.
I found a local resource to deliver a great organic soil and timers were installed on each box last year. This year, I augmented the soil since my chickens, in the off season, had fun in my beds so some of the soil went missing!
As part of the design process and learning about companion planting, I drew up my ideas! This year, I used my board from last year, and moved plants from box to box so as to not have tomatoes in the same box as last year, etc. Each plant draws out certain nutrients more than others, and you want to cycle your plants from bed to bed.
This allowed me to make a list before I did any seed or seedling shopping.
And here are the garden beds in progress of being planted. I’ve had my plants in the greenhouse for the last 4-5 weeks. Once I saw that I already have a tomato on the vine, as well as 2 squash, I figured I need to get them into the ground soon. I’ve been waiting until the evenings drop to about 50 degrees. Any lower and tomato plants hate it.
I’m glad I finally made it happen! Planting a garden was a smart investment, which allows me to have my own fresh veggies, herbs, flowers, and fruits. I hardly have to hit the grocery stores because I can preserve these for long term use, and they are fresh and healthy. Anyone can grow their own garden, even if you live in an apartment. Don’t let small space deter you from a healthier lifestyle!
What a cool garden! I love the wipe board idea… great way of laying things out…
Beautiful! I’m jealous of people who can get plants to grow and thrive.
Hi Jennifer! Congratulations on your garden. Isn’t it amazing? My husband and I planted our back in January (we live in the desert near Palm Springs) and since Feb. have been eating fresh lettuce every day. We LOVE it. Meanwhile our tomatoes are just little green ones so far. Are hoping we get a decent crop before it gets too hot here. But the benefits of a garden are so numerous. And anyone who wants to eat healthy needs to give it a try. ~Kathy
Thank you, Kathy. I totally agree with you. Hope you get more red tomatoes soon!
You are so lucky being able to have your own garden and see your plants grow and thrive! Many of us live in the city and we can maybe afford a couple plants at home but that’s it. Keep it up with the great work!
Zaria
Thank you. However, I do believe you can still grow “pots of gardens” in your city home. I’ve made it work before, too. There are some places that even provide a small city garden for their tenants. Take advantage of those if you can.
WOW! That’s an amazing garden. I’m in the middle of transforming a small sliver of a backyard garden. I’m going for color and lushness. I live in Louisiana, so lushness isn’t too hard to accomplish. You’ve inspired me!
Thank you, Connie! I’d love to see your garden when you have transformed it. Please do share when you get a chance. Good luck!