Vegetable Garden Planting Design
Planting a vegetable garden takes a lot of planning and prep work to ensure a successful first harvest. There are many different ways of growing home vegetables. Deciding on a garden design is just one decision a vegetable gardener makes. Different designs, such as keyhole and raised bed gardens, are often considered when planting vegetables. Choose the design that works best for you and modify it when needed. For more extensive design options, contact a local gardening center or landscaper for specific recommendations pertaining to your region. Does this Spark an idea?
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Considerations
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Consider several things before planting a vegetable garden or even starting on a design. The site selection, which ideally has at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, often dictates the garden bed's size and shape. Well-draining soil is a necessary component of successful vegetable gardening. Take the area you have and come up with a garden design based on that. For some, a keyhole bed that takes up little space is ideal. For others, wide rows of successive plantings are more fitting for their landscape and individual needs.
Keyhole Garden Beds
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Keyhole-shaped gardens are for those wishing to maximize their planting and growing space. Keyhole beds, a circular bed with a keyhole shade emerging from the side, make the most of a garden space by eliminating the need for walkways between plantings. They cut back on the amount of weeding needed and allow for successful planting of both annuals and perennials in the same space. Small plants, such as herbs, border the inside of the keyhole bed, while larger plants, such as tomatoes, are on the perimeter.
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Raised Beds
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Raised beds are recommended for beginner gardeners, as they combine and organic matter without a lot of work. Maintenance is low with raised beds and weeding is less of a problem than with other designs. Raised beds are either directly on the ground or completely off ground on a raised tabletop. Construct the outer edges of wood, such as cedar, held together by metal brackets. A common size for raised beds is 8 feet by 4 feet.
Companion Planting Blocks
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Companion planting blocks is another popular design option. This method allows better growth and optimal harvesting. Utilizing several different blocks throughout the garden area permits growing a wide range of vegetables. Rotating crops every 2 to 3 years ensures healthy soil.
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References
Resources
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