Planting Vegetable Garden Plots
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In the heart of a garden that has been a part of a home for around seven years, a new project is underway. The author, inspired by current circumstances, has decided to create vegetable plots. With a pile of scraps from the bedroom and a hammer and nails from the Man Cupboard, the transformation is well underway.
To start, it's essential to select a sunny spot with well-drained soil. The author opted for a location that receives at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
Next, the shape and size of the vegetable plots were decided. A rectangular layout was chosen for its neat structure, with beds measuring approximately 2.5 feet (30 inches) wide—an ideal size for easy reach from both sides without stepping on the soil. Pathways, around 18 to 24 inches wide, were left between the beds for accessibility and to prevent soil compaction during maintenance.
The area was then cleared of grass, weeds, and debris. The soil was loosened to a depth of 8-12 inches, and organic compost and other soil amendments were mixed in to improve fertility and drainage. For better drainage and soil control, raised beds were constructed, about 8-12 inches high, using wooden frames or bricks.
Gravel walkways were installed to reduce weeds and prevent soil compaction, as demonstrated by Ina Garten's garden. The vegetable plots were then marked out, and the rows were spaced 18-24 inches apart for most vegetables. Companion planting and dense planting were considered to maximise space usage in square or grid-like plots.
The first vegetable plot was prepared by digging a trench to ensure it was level and setting it in place. The longer scraps were cut down to make beds of 6ft x 3ft for the vegetable plots. The author spent time weeding the area where the first vegetable plot would be placed before planting potatoes.
A second vegetable plot has also been created, with a trellis installed between the two back vegetable plots for tomato growth. The author is optimistic about the growth of potatoes and anticipates the vegetable plots to be awesome in summer/autumn. The author is pleased with the progress and expresses excitement about tending to the vegetable plots regularly.
With two vegetable plots in place, the author has prepared two spots for pumpkin planting. The author is hopeful that this new addition to the garden will provide a bountiful harvest and a sense of satisfaction in growing their own produce.
References:
- Gardening Know How
- BBC Gardeners World
- The Spruce
- Garden Myths
- Mother Earth News
In this exciting new phase of home-and-garden renovation, the author plans to extend their lifestyle to include a home-gardening project, using the insights from Gardening Know How, BBC Gardeners World, The Spruce, Garden Myths, and Mother Earth News. With the second vegetable plot now in place, the author aims to expand their harvest and explore gardening techniques such as companion planting and raising pumpkins.
