Last year we truly enjoyed our backyard garden. Throughout summer we visited our garden to pick fresh veggies, herbs, and flowers to make our summer meals delicious and enjoyable. Now it's time to start the plans for this year's garden. What will we do?
Plant the seedlings
In the next week or two, I'll plant the seedlings and place them on a table by our big, sunlit window.
Garden Plan
I made a preliminary plan for this year's garden last year, I'll refine that plan once the seedlings begin to take root.
Make the fence
Last year I bought a small animal proof fence. That worked well for a small garden. I planted marigolds around the edges which also helped to keep the animals away. This year I'm planning to make a larger fence for a bigger garden area. Since I'm not a builder this will take some research and time. I may use last year's fencing for an additional, smaller garden--perhaps a flower garden.
Fencing Resources:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj0KlE2hup4
Till the soil
Once spring arrives, I'll till the soil--there's mixed reviews on tilling, but I think it's best for our yard. Then I'll top that soil with rich dirt from our compost pile. Then when I'm comfortable that the first frost has come and gone, I'll plant the seedlings in the garden and in containers on the porch.
Garden care
I used hay between the plants last year and that reduced the weeds significantly. I'll likely do the same this year. Last year's garden did not require a lot of care due to the size, hay, and good soil.
Costs
In years back, I spent too much on gardens that didn't produce much. Last year, by starting early, I was able to produce a lot more with far less dollars. I hope to do the same this year.