Help--I am starting my first raised vegetable garden. I bought organic soil, but do I need more to mix with my soil before planting? What kinds of things should I plant? What can be planted together so that I get the most out of my garden? |
The top soil you purchased should have an ample amount of organic matter already in it so mixing in additional organic matter should not be required. You may want to spread some organic matter over the bare soil after you've planted your vegetables, though, to help suppress weeds. Whenever possible, I think the rows in the vegetable garden should run north and south, for best sun exposure and air circulation. If the rows run east and west the first row tends to shade the second row, the second row the third and so on. The tall crops such as peas, beans and corn, should be planted on the north side of the vegetable garden. In this way they will not shade the rest of the vegetable crops. In the center of the vegetable garden area, plant the medium sized crops such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, squash, pumpkins and other mediums sized crops. Then at the very southern end of the garden is where the low growing crops like radishes, carrots, beets, lettuce, onions and other low growing ones are planted. Best wishes with your garden! |