Edible Gardening, site, raised beds and more....

More and more gardeners are trying their hand at growing edibles, me being one of them. I have only grown veggies and herbs for three seasons and it has been pretty successful. One of the reasons is the locations where I plant. Sun requirements of the crops you would like to grow are something to know.

This blog posting will cover location, raised beds, nutrient rich soils and other considerations ensuring you have great vegetables and herbs all season. 

Light and Location 

I feel that this is the most important consideration for healthy and productive edible gardens, especially here in the high desert. Once summer hits it gets hot quick. Many edibles love the sun and heat, but not all of them. I actually have three areas in my landscape for edibles; full sun, partial sun (under a tree) and a location that has sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. It will make all the difference to make sure you know the requirements for the plants you will be growing. 

Raised beds 

The best thing about using a raised bed is you will have control of the nutrients and water your garden will get. Our region is not known for organic rich soils, if you want a productive crop you will want to make sure the soil you use if nutrient rich, edibles are heavy feeders. 
What kind of raised bed you can use is only limited to your imagination. Below are several styles that will help you make a decision. The four photos below show four different styles of raised beds, a formal setting, a slopped area, a rustic yard and mine, the redwood box.

One of these just might work perfectly on your yard.

Soil Medium
Healthy productive plants can only do well in healthy soils. Here's the good news, The Kellogg's Garden Organics company has a new line of fertilizers that they will be launching this season,  we will hopefully see them on our region soon at the Home Depots.
Some of the organic products from Kellogg's Garden Organics I have used are these three,  Patio Plus, Amend and Gromulch. The Patio Plus is perfect for containers or raised beds.  Amend is perfect for loosening clay soil and Gromulch can be used as a nutritional mulch. 

 

Water availability

If it isn't easy to water you may miss a watering, and here in the high desert this could be trouble. Once summer hits, watering becomes increasingly important. Many vegetable gardens may need water twice a day. Using a calendar to keep track can be very helpful.

Critter safe

Not only do we look forward to our garden goodies, but so do the critters. I live in a country setting so I have a long list of critters, but everyone will have to deal with quail, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks. Be ready, or start from the beginning by fencing them out.

The wire change is easily moved around, the clothes was only used in the moment, until I could get a more permanent solution. Raised bed will also help with rabbits, but not squirrels and chipmunks. 

Here is my traveling tool cart 

Easy Garden Care  
Like watering feeding and maintaining your garden should be comfortable. I like to put a bag for weeds and trash, and put extra tools close by, my garden is a walk from my garage so I will keep some tools out in the caged edible area.
Making things easy does not mean you are lazy, just smart.


I hope this blog helps you get a start in growing 
your own vegetables. Send a note to gardencoachinreno@gmail.com if you have 
any questions.