Building a Veggie Garden
Question:
From Jarrett in Worcester...
I'm entering my third spring of attempted vegetable gardening (not a felony in Massachusetts), and I am wondering two things. 1) Is it too late to start things from seed? 2) If it is not too late, how warm of an environment do new seedlings need to thrive? I mean, I have a small house and small children and I don't want to have tiny pots of soil in all the rooms; hence, I'd like to use the porch, but I fear that will be too cold. Doh! Building a green house is not an option (attempted greenhouse building--the way I would do it--is a felony in Massachusetts).
Answer:
Dear Jarrett: Below is a plan for growing your vegetable garden. It's not too late. If you and your wife have time this weekend (in between taking care of your children) you should get started on it. In fact, I think it's great to involve your children in helping you plant the seeds. I hope this helps you. If you need anymore info, refer to: http://ifplantscouldtalk.rutgers.edu
Happy planting! Have a wonderful spring and summer!
Al's Mom
PLANNING A VEGETABLE GARDENThe most important factor in planning a vegetable garden is the location. Choose a site with good drainage and no standing water, even after the heaviest rain. Keep the garden away from trees and shrubs which may compete with vegetables for water, nutrients and light. Leafy vegetables, such as lettuce and spinach, require the least direct sunlight, only 4 to 5 hours. Root vegetables require 5 to 6 hours, and fruiting vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini required at least 8 hours. Remember, NO vegetable can grow in total shade.
You may want to have two plans. One for the spring planting and one for a second planting for summer and autumn harvest.
Once you’ve decided where the garden will go, it’s time to choose which vegetables to grow. Make a list of those vegetable you like. Put the plan on paper. Remember to place your tallest growing crops on the north side of the garden so as not to shade lower growing plants. Allow for good air movement thru the garden. This ensures that moisture on plant leaves dries quickly and may lessen disease problems.
Use the table below to plant your seeds:
Vegetable Spacing (in.) in Row/Between Row Planting Dates Broccoli 15 30 May, June, July Carrots 3 15 April, May, June, July Collards 18 24 April, May, June, July Corn/Sweet 12 24 May, June Cucumbers 36 30 June, July Kale 15 18 July, August Lettuce, Leaf 8 15 April, May, August, Sept. Parsley 6 15 April, May, June Pumpkins 48 96 July Radishes 1 12 April, May, June, July, Aug. Sept. Spinach 04 18 April, Sept. Turnips 3 18 April, July Watermelons 36 96 July