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Planning Your GardenMaterials from Colorado Master Gardener Jared Miera, delivered by CSU Extension Pueblo County Horticulture Coordinator Sherie Caffey
Evaluate your site
It is important to evaluate your site so that you know what advantages and pitfalls you are working with. Here are some things to consider:
• Soil characteristics
• Wet and dry spots
• Sun exposure/shade
• Wind exposure
• Current use of area
• Size of garden
• Type of garden
• Water source
In ground gardens vs. raised bed gardens
Raised beds can be made of wood, bricks, or any other non toxic material. Typically beds are 6-8 inches high, 3-6 feet wide, and 6-8 feet long.
In ground gardens are simpler and cheaper to start up and they allow for machinery to be used to prepare the soil.
• Prevents soil compaction and plant damage
from foot traffic
• Warm up more quickly and drain better so
growing season is longer
• Maintenance and weeding are minimal
• Good for areas with poor soil
• Easy access for those who have a hard time
bending.
• Allows for use of existing soil, saves money and
resources
• Financially economical
• Less start up work but more maintenance as the
year goes on
• Less permanent placement
• Dry out more slowly so less water may be
needed
• Irrigation is easier to design and modify
Plant selection
• Beginners should start with easy plants to grow
such as lettuce, beans, cucumbers, tomatoes,
spinach, or squash
• Plant things that you and the children you care
for like to eat, and maybe a couple things to
experiment with
• Avoid planting too many of the same crop
• When possible choose locally adapted seeds and
transplants
Planning Your Garden
Often times many struggles and failures in the
garden can be averted with a little
preparation.
Spend a little time in the winter thinking of
the layout and intent of the plants. This
will help lessen the stress of planting as
spring quickly returns.
The simple use of a calendar can greatly help
a gardener know when to plant and
remember when you do planted.
Four things that can help a plots potential
include; Space to be used,
Season(time) to be grown, the Plant to be
grown, Seed selection
Rodale’s Organic life seed starting plan
There are endless versions of plant starting calendars available online
Space To Be Plotted
The success of a garden increases when it is grown
in the right place.
These spaces have even durations of sunlight,
healthy soil, protection.
Choose areas that get uninterrupted sunlight, this
will help the plant grow
with less stress and improve potential yield.
Different plants thrive in different types of soil,
however, all plants enjoy healthy well worked
soil with good tilth.
Urban farming can be a challenge with animals,
children, and other potential ‘threats’ that can
do damage. Work with whatever space is
available to grow and produce.
Time You Want To Invest
Before you begin planting, decide how much time you really see yourself devoting to the garden. This helps maximize yield by focusing on the growth of plants coordinated with your schedule. The garden will receive the care it needs, as your time permits.
Knowing when you wish to harvest will help chose which plants to grow. This dictates the season in which you will follow i.e., spring, summer, fall. Sometimes it is best to be just a little early.
Knowing when you need to plant will help you have your plots prepped. Time moves quickly and its nice to have things turned, amended, and ready for planting. Don’t be caught cleaning your beds when you should all readyhave seed sown.
In our climate it is possible to grow from Marchwell into November. Just a short time to getready in the winter time. Don’t be afraid tohave some garden plot sketches to helpassist you.
The Right Plant In The Right Place
After all the work to determine the
space, and time you will invest in
the garden, proper plant
selection is crucial.
It does no good planting shade
loving varieties in full exposed
sunlight and vise versa. Choose
varieties that will lend to your
success. Help yourself.
It also doesn’t help to have really tall
plants blocking the light of all the
other plants. Utilize the garden space
to systematically plant in a way which
will promote cooperation within the
garden. The plants will work together if
you allow them to.
CSU Extension has resources for planning a garden!
extension.colostate.edu719-583-6566
caffeys@pueblocounty.us
Questions?Colorado Master Gardener Dan Bassak available for questions
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