Garden Planning for Food

Homegrown foods taste great.

Planning for a food garden is important to feeding your family. By having a plan in place, you will know exactly what plants, and how many of each, you will need.

What You Like

The most important part of planting a food garden, is that you plant what you will eat. It is helpful to make a list of the fruits, vegetables and herbs that you and your family enjoy. Be sure to choose foods that will grow in your hardiness zone.

Purchase Seeds

When purchasing seeds, consider heirloom varieties. These are old-fashioned seeds, that produce fruit with superior taste and are more uniform. Try to find organic seeds, seedlings or root cuttings whenever possible.

Where to Plant

Consider where the best place to plant the food will be. Six hours of sunlight per day will work well for most crops. Work on preparing the garden area by working the soil and by adding a garden bed, if desired.

Organic Soil

Starting a compost bin to use during upcoming years is essential. Organic yard waste and food scraps can all be composted. This will provide your garden with healthy soil.

References

• Heirloom Seeds: Heirloom Seed History
• Capital District Community Gardens: Fertilize Your Garden with Organic Compost
• National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Resources

• Food from the Garden: A Home Vegetable Garden Plan for Areas of Small Sizes