Where do you put your garden?
Below are the files for the PowerPoints that were shown in class. Along with class discussion and a site map (?/50) you need to write an explanation of why you chose to site your garden where you did...prove that it is the best site for your location. (persuasive writing 250+ words ?/50)
lg2choosingasmartsiteforyourvegetablegarden.ppt | |
File Size: | 5661 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
lg2basitemapoflocation.ppt | |
File Size: | 6099 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
1. Garden size - the size you choose for your vegetable garden will be determined by the amount of available space and the amount of energy you wish to commit to the project. Even a 100 sq.ft. garden, grown intensively, can produce a steady supply of salad greens for a family. A backyard garden of 20' x 25' (500 sq. ft.) is an ideal size which will provide a variety of vegetables for a family of four and even have some for the neighbors!
2. Orientation to sun and shade - the plants in your garden will want to face south, and will require a minimum of 5 hours of direct sunlight per day. Observe the path of shadows during the day from any trees, fences, tall objects or adjacent buildings in your yard. Sunlight calculators are available which give you a more precise measurement of sun exposure for choosing ideal planting locations. The area of maximum continuous light will likely be the best location for your garden.
3. Proximity to trees, root systems - besides the shading effects of trees, consider the spread of their roots. Locate your garden plot at least 10' beyond the drip line of any nearby trees. If you must grow close to any trees, you may need to dig a barrier around your garden to block root incursions. This can be done by digging a narrow trench to hard clay, or at least deeper than existing roots. Set a sheet of galvanized metal roofing , or any inert heavy material which roots cannot penetrate, on edge. Then fill in the trench with the barrier material even with the soil level or slightly above. Do you plan on adding more fruit trees in the future? If so, plan for them now, by envisioning a 20' root spread, and the future shading effect of the tree.
5. Good drainage is important because plants won’t grow in waterlogged soil. This is particularly important in spring because you should never dig wet soil (it will damage the soil’s structure). And waiting for the soil to dry out can cause delays (wet soil also warms up more slowly than dry soil).
6. Wind exposure - in windy areas, a fence or berm can serve as a wind barrier.
7. If the land is sloped, you will need to terrace the beds. The beds should be level or you will encounter problems with uneven water distribution and erosion. To terrace a bed, build up the low side with boards, flat rocks or wood slabs which are often available for free at sawmills.
8. Space. anticipate future crop rotations - reserve space for an extra bed for next season's use, where some of your plantings will be relocated. When not in use, this bed should be planted in a 'green manure' cover crop which builds soil tilth and adds nutrients while keeping the bed free of weeds.
9. Consider the proximity to the house. The closer the food garden is to the kitchen the more you will use it. Ideally the garden should be within 100 feet of your kitchen door so it is easy to nip outside and harvest while cooking. If it is further away you tend to limit your trips out there , so the harvest becomes more sporadic. Someone once estimated that the harvest declined by 30% when the garden was over 100 feet away. A garden that is close to the house gets tended more conscientiously, not only because it is more convenient, but because it is so visible.
2. Orientation to sun and shade - the plants in your garden will want to face south, and will require a minimum of 5 hours of direct sunlight per day. Observe the path of shadows during the day from any trees, fences, tall objects or adjacent buildings in your yard. Sunlight calculators are available which give you a more precise measurement of sun exposure for choosing ideal planting locations. The area of maximum continuous light will likely be the best location for your garden.
3. Proximity to trees, root systems - besides the shading effects of trees, consider the spread of their roots. Locate your garden plot at least 10' beyond the drip line of any nearby trees. If you must grow close to any trees, you may need to dig a barrier around your garden to block root incursions. This can be done by digging a narrow trench to hard clay, or at least deeper than existing roots. Set a sheet of galvanized metal roofing , or any inert heavy material which roots cannot penetrate, on edge. Then fill in the trench with the barrier material even with the soil level or slightly above. Do you plan on adding more fruit trees in the future? If so, plan for them now, by envisioning a 20' root spread, and the future shading effect of the tree.
5. Good drainage is important because plants won’t grow in waterlogged soil. This is particularly important in spring because you should never dig wet soil (it will damage the soil’s structure). And waiting for the soil to dry out can cause delays (wet soil also warms up more slowly than dry soil).
6. Wind exposure - in windy areas, a fence or berm can serve as a wind barrier.
7. If the land is sloped, you will need to terrace the beds. The beds should be level or you will encounter problems with uneven water distribution and erosion. To terrace a bed, build up the low side with boards, flat rocks or wood slabs which are often available for free at sawmills.
8. Space. anticipate future crop rotations - reserve space for an extra bed for next season's use, where some of your plantings will be relocated. When not in use, this bed should be planted in a 'green manure' cover crop which builds soil tilth and adds nutrients while keeping the bed free of weeds.
9. Consider the proximity to the house. The closer the food garden is to the kitchen the more you will use it. Ideally the garden should be within 100 feet of your kitchen door so it is easy to nip outside and harvest while cooking. If it is further away you tend to limit your trips out there , so the harvest becomes more sporadic. Someone once estimated that the harvest declined by 30% when the garden was over 100 feet away. A garden that is close to the house gets tended more conscientiously, not only because it is more convenient, but because it is so visible.