Plans for Southern Indiana Vegetable Gardens

Planning is important for a successful garden.

Southern Indiana has a climate that is great for growing a variety of garden vegetables. You have a lot to consider if you are starting a garden, and proper planning is the first step toward a bountiful harvest.

Location

Choosing the right location is the first step. Look for a flat area with ample sunlight that is away from large trees and shrubs. Choose a well-drained location with deep, fertile soil. Rainwater should never gather on the surface, even after a hard rain.

Early Planning

Sketch out your garden to decide how much space you need for each crop and where you want them to be located relative to each other. If you are replanting an old garden, rotate crops so that they are not growing in the same part of the garden as in previous years. Information on variety selection is available from Purdue University.

Planting

Indiana has a varied climate, which means that the time of year you plant your garden will depend on which vegetables you choose and where in the area you live. Even within southern Indiana, the last spring frost date varies from April 6 to May 5, so incorporate geographic location and climate into your planning.

References

• Purdue University: Indiana Vegetable Planting Calendar; Michael N. Dana, et al.; Dec. 2000
• Purdue University: Home Gardener's Guide; Rosie Lerner, et al.; Aug. 2007
• Clemson University: Planning a Garden; Bob Polomski; Jan. 2005

Resources

• Purdue University: Garden Publications