Two of our three raised beds are green and busy, and our third bed patiently waits for temperatures to cool. Fall planting is not too far away! I’ve selected seeds for a variety of fall plants, and the desire to go straight to having four beds is pretty strong at this point. I’ve expanded to the fence line, as well, a work in progress. Part of me keeps looking at the rest of the yard, wondering whether I have the nerve to turn it into a much bigger garden, but four beds will keep me busy enough for this year. I’m already planning to at least move the shed to get more space for raised beds.
The challenge now is that I’m educating myself on crop rotation and multi-year planning. I realize now that it might have been wiser for me not to put cucurbits (melons and squashes) into two of my three beds, because it will be difficult to start a good crop rotation plan with what I have (you want to move crop families with each season/year). I’m not too worried about it, as these are brand new beds, and so far the pests/diseases have not been too bad. But I want to do this as right as I can from the get-go. Inside I’m chuckling, as I have sooooo much to learn, and (more) mistakes will most certainly be made.
But I’m doing research – taking classes and visiting my trusty friend Google. I’ve started a 3-ring binder notebook, storing planting guides and tips, and in it I will also place anything I print out related to my garden. Nice and portable. This blog will serve as the main journal, though.
Planning so far ahead is scary, but it’s the best way to maximize harvests in the planting seasons. I’ll post my diagram once it’s complete. Of course, it’s all subject to change! After all, as I’m learning, there’s always something obvious to others that I’ll not figure out until after I’ve moved forward and gotten myself into a big mess (like not using seeds from store-bought cantaloupes). Little things like how corn can help get rid of root nematodes, which could affect carrots and other root plants, and how certain plants can release toxins that inhibit small seed germination – it can be overwhelming knowing how much I have to learn. Companion planting, too – plant this plant near this plant, but this other plant will inhibit growth of said plant, so plant it near this other plant… ACK.
Part of me wants to be the kind of gardener who just plants stuff and sees what grows. But it’s clear that there’s a lot more to a successful farm garden than just sticking seeds in the ground and adding water. If something fails, then months to a year might go by before you get to try again. Ouch to wasting that time and money. So, education.
Fall plants I’m looking at include kale, kohlrabi, spinach, carrots, lettuce, strawberries, garlic, and peas. I’m planting zucchini and beans now, catching their late summer planting window. That fourth bed is likely to be dedicated just to strawberries for this upcoming season. Yum.
Edit: My husband just tentatively asked me, “What’s kale?” Muahahaha.
once again we are on the same page. i’m hoping to get to the Natural Gardener this weekend and take advantage of their sale on bulk soils to fill in the rest of my raised beds. It will be another couple weeks before we can shell out the funds for the last two we plan to build, but I can get a start anyway! and i’m determined to do it right from the start as well. you are inspiring me my friend! great plan you have!
Hey Meredith,
Sounds like your well on your way to a successful fall garden! I wish I was as organized as you are. Gardening can sometimes seem overwhelming but remember to keep it fun. Even the most experienced gardeners make mistakes. Gardening is like one big experiment, it’s a constant learning process.
Thanks for the kind message you left me on Botanical. There are some great blogs in the Botanical network – including yours! I’ll definitely be following!
Thanks, Alan. It is still fun. The heat and the aphids almost got me down today, though — but then I saw my first bee! The planning stage actually is fun for me. Scary, too. But I expect to make mistakes — I’m just trying to avoid some of them!
Wow! You are very organized. I’ve always just gardened by the seat of my pants.
Right now, it’s just too hot to do anything outside. But, planning can always be done inside. I have so many ideas, I’ll never get them all done. But, that’s what gardens are, right…works in progress.
Keep up the good work.
If you aren’t making mistakes, you aren’t learning, right? And who knows, I’m betting you’ll have the most awesome cantaloupes from recycled seeds yet! I’m glad to see you have the Catalina baby spinach seeds too – I bought those before getting Patty Leander’s list. I don’t think I can get Jack to build the seven (yes! seven!) raised beds I’ve commissioned before the Natural Gardener bulk soil sale ends — pity.
Yea! A kindred spirit when it comes to a garden notebook. **does the happy dance** You are going to be so happy you’re investing the time to do one. It will take your garden to the next level. Just don’t obsess over it. I never get everything done in my notebook just like I never get everything done in my garden. It’s all about the process. Please keep us posted on your gardening notebook journey.