Gard'ning

[coraxanimus]

So, I shall attempt gardening in the spring. It's my new little obsession. I thought I'd post my plans here so more experienced gardeners can take a look, ad helpful tips, comments and tell me what mistakes I'm making before I make them.

The pretty map of the space I have to work with. (click to enlarge)

Comments

[wolfdaughter]

So far it looks pretty good but I do have one question; what's the drainage like? Do any of your future garden spots look swampy now after a day or two of rain? Keep an eye on that; you might have to move some plants. Other than having too much rhubarb *those suckers get BIG and produce a LOT*, and too many pumpkins (four, really? Maybe start four and keep the two strongest), you're on the right track.

[coraxanimus]

I don't know anything about the drainage, but I'll keep an eye out. I'll grow half as many rhubarb and pumpkin, and use the extra space for some more strawberry.

I shall also edit the post accordingly.

[coraxanimus]

Skunk Pooka says (in an e-mail in response to this post) that her biggest advice is to check the growing season and make sure I have enough space between things. Don't plant too closely together.

And I respond: I was careful about space, and I must learn more about growing seasons.

Skunk Pooka goes in to say that her friend says: “For his strawberries, a raised bed with sandy soil for drainage is the best. He'll also want to double check which plants shouldn't be grown near them (the raised bed will deal with that issue). Make sure he stakes his tomato plants and cuts the tops once they reach a decent height (~3-4 feet) so the plants will spend more time producing fruit over growing taller.”

I say: Duly noted...but now I'm concerned that a 6'' raised bed will cast a shadow on whatever's immediately to the north of it, making it hard to grow things there. Does it have to be raised? Can I set the unit in the ground so it only protrudes an inch or two??

[coraxanimus]

Skunk Pooka's friend is an expert gardener and Skunk Pooka also has gardening experience herself (though not as much as the aforementioned friend). You would do well to take the advice on a raised bed as it is. Furthermore, don't be too ambitious and plant too many things. You don't want to wear out the soil.

[coraxanimus]

I ask not out of defiance, Skunk Pooka, but out of inexperience. Is the important part separating the strawberries with special soil, or is the "raised" part an important factor as well?

[coraxanimus]

Both are equally important. Strawberries need good, irrigated soil. The raised factor contributes to this as well as keeps them separate from other plants as Strawberries can be sensitive. :)