What is your garden style?
When deciding the method of gardening there are many to choose from. Depending on the amount of food that you choose to grow and the space that you have available will help to determine the method that will work best for you. The methods that I have chosen to cover are just a few of the most popular methods used. There are several other options to seek out if these methods do not appeal to you.
Traditional
A traditional garden method has been commonly used for years. This is the process by which you plant directly in the ground.
To prepare the ground for planting, you will first till your land with a cultivator, removing the grass and weeds on the surface.
The next step is removing any debris that surfaced from cultivation, such as large rocks and other material that may have been previously buried.
Finally, a soil test will need to be completed to determine the Ph level of the soil. There are many at-home methods of soil testing, or you may choose to send your soil to your local USDA Extention office. However, most local farm stores sell inexpensive testing kits.
Once you know the ph level of your soil, you will have a better idea of the amendments you will need.
The traditional garden method style does require intensive weeding and watering because the ground is exposed. This causes the dirt to dry out very quickly and depending on the type of soil becomes very hard to work with. Using a tiller or a cultivator around your plants can disturb their root systems so it is best to hand weed the weeds closest to your plants. Also, when cultivating you actually will bring more weed seeds to the surface which creates more weeds to appear.
A tip to help suppress the weeds is to use mulch around your plants such as grass clippings, old newspaper, straw, and other organic material.
Container gardening
Using containers to garden is great for individuals who have very little space to plant, such as apartment dwellers. You can still produce an adequate amount of crops using only containers depending on the size of your container and how many containers you use.
Container gardening can be more costly because you need to buy the container and the soil medium. Other options are to upcycle items that you can reuse. Such as old cans used for storage containers, plastic buckets, pails, and other miscellaneous items. If it can hold soil and have proper drainage you can grow in it. I once used baby formula containers to grow herbs from my kitchen window. So, get creative, look around, and think before tossing items in the trash.
The only downfall that I have ever experienced when growing a container garden is they are slightly more high maintenance in the fact you have to water them more frequently. But, on the other hand, containers were also way easier to keep the weeds out.
Raised beds
Raised bed gardening is undoubtedly one of the most popular methods in use today. Raised beds offer significant convenience because, depending on the chosen style, you can customize their height to your preference, thereby reducing the strain on your back from excessive bending. Additionally, raised beds provide ample space for growing an abundance of food. I recommend maintaining the dimensions of your raised beds so that you can comfortably reach across them for easier crop harvesting.
However, it's worth noting that raised beds can be somewhat more expensive due to the need to acquire materials for construction or purchasing premade raised beds, which can be relatively costly. Another expense to consider is the growing medium required to fill them. You can opt for bagged soil or compost, or if you have the means, purchase it in bulk. Some gardeners employ a clever strategy of filling the first few inches or feet with organic materials like limbs, logs, leaves, and other compostable items that break down over time. The top 6 to 12 inches are then layered with high-quality compost or your soil of choice.
In my experience, deeper raised beds tend to retain moisture more effectively compared to smaller container gardens and don't dry out as quickly. Moreover, raised beds generally maintain better soil structure and are less prone to compaction compared to traditional gardening methods, making weed control and overall maintenance more manageable.
No dig
The No-Dig method primarily emphasizes the creation of an ecosystem that fosters living soil, which, in my gardening experience, is one of the most fascinating aspects. The instructions for establishing a No-Dig bed are straightforward to follow.
To begin, cover the ground with plastic to smother the grass and weeds underneath. As these unwanted plants decompose, their nutrients are gradually released into the soil. After clearing away the grass and weeds, proceed to cover the exposed soil with cardboard. Ensure that the cardboard is generously wetted, creating an environment conducive to earthworms, thereby enhancing the biological activity of your soil.
Next, layer several inches of high-quality organic compost over the saturated cardboard. It's advisable to wait for a few days before planting to allow the cardboard to begin breaking down, although this step is not strictly necessary. I have personally placed dry cardboard and planted my seedlings directly into the compost with excellent results.
This method is easy to maintain because it suppresses weeds, and any that do emerge are simple to remove due to the non-compacted soil. The watering process is also straightforward because the soil remains covered, and the living elements within your soil work harmoniously to establish a balanced ecosystem. This approach is my preferred method of gardening, and I've achieved tremendous success with it.
Vertical Gardening
Vertical gardening is currently gaining significant popularity, driven by its aesthetics and space-saving advantages. I adore the visual appeal and functionality of vertical gardens. Moreover, they offer additional benefits by promoting improved airflow among plants, which can help mitigate issues related to excess moisture, such as mold.
When venturing into vertical gardening, it's crucial to consider the type of plants you intend to grow. Some plant varieties have a bushy growth habit, while others are vining in nature. The Vertical Gardening method is most effective with vining varieties.
Numerous techniques exist for creating a vertical landscape or garden. Many individuals utilize cattle panels as arch trellises or arrange them in a straight row to support vertical growth. Bamboo stakes can be tied together at the top to form teepees, and other trellising systems like the California weave work exceptionally well for supporting climbing peas. Additionally, you can employ various types of latticework or any available material that allows vines to attach and grow upon.
Time to get started
Now that you have some insights into various gardening methods, venture out and experiment with the one that resonates most with you, or consider trying several. Personally, I've employed and continue to use several of these gardening techniques in my own garden. There's no universal garden approach that fits everyone, and I firmly believe that each individual should tailor their garden to suit their unique preferences and style. This diversity is precisely what makes gardening such a rewarding and enjoyable pursuit.
For those interested in exploring the world of No/Low till gardening, especially beginners, there are excellent online programs available that provide step-by-step guidance and tips to help you get started. These programs offer valuable resources, from selecting the right location to choosing the appropriate materials and techniques. They can be an invaluable resource for those looking to embark on their gardening journey with minimal disruption to the soil. So, whether you're a seasoned gardener or just beginning, there's a gardening method out there to suit your needs and preferences. Happy gardening!
Comentários