Intercropping, or planting crops of varying sizes and growth rates together, is a vegetable garden design technique often used by gardeners who are trying to maximize yield in a small space. Look for varieties that grow quickly or will overwinter and produce in the early spring (if your climate allows). If your second or third planting occurs toward the end of the season, opt for cool-weather crops such as leafy greens, broccoli or root vegetables. This is known as succession planting.ĭepending on the length of your growing season, you may have to be strategic in choosing plants for a second (or even third) planting.
Stagger plantings by two or three weeks to extend the harvest, and plant different varieties of the same crop that mature at different times. Plant Again and AgainĪs soon as one crop is harvested and is no longer producing, pull it out of the garden and plant something else in its place. You can’t control the weather, but there are things you can do to maximize your garden’s production throughout the year. Seasonal yield depends on several factors, including the quality of both the seeds and the soil, proper plant spacing, adequate water and the weather.
How Do You Get the Most from Your Garden?
Cucumbers – 4 to 6 plants or 2 to 4 vines.Here’s a list of popular vegetables and an estimate of how many plants to sow for a family of four. How Much to Plant of the Most Popular Veggies If you plan to preserve any of your harvest, you’ll want to add a few extra plants. One way to overcome cold weather challenges is to preserve some of your summer crop. If you live in a part of the country that experiences especially cold weather, you may not be able to grow anything for a decent part of the year. After all, turning gardening into a family affair often convinces veggie haters to try new foods. This is sound advice, even if your household includes some picky eaters. While you should definitely plant things you know your family already likes, don’t be afraid to branch out a little into some more exotic varieties, too. If you know your kids love carrots, plant plenty of them.įocusing on the things you know your family likes makes it far less likely that you’ll end up with wasted produce. This first tip is a little obvious, but worth including. That said, here are some things to consider as you plan out your garden. A single plant can produce a lot or a little, depending on the type. How much to plant depends on the specific types of veggies you and your family like. If you’re planning to grow Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or large varieties of melons or squash, plan on a few extra square feet. If your family is larger (or smaller), scale up or down as needed.Īlso, keep in mind that some crops take up more space than others. Generally speaking, 200 square feet of garden space per person will allow for a harvest that feeds everyone year-round.įor an average family of four, plan for an 800 square-foot garden-a plot that’s 20 feet by 40 feet in size should do the trick.
And the unsatisfying answer is … it depends. It’s time to make your green thumb a little greener.
#Small plot vegetable garden plan how to
How to preserve your extra harvest so nothing goes to waste.In this article, we’ll cover all the basics you need to know if you’re seriously considering feeding your family year-round with veggies you’ve grown yourself. But the end results are well worth the time and effort.įor example, depending on the size of your family and your current vegetable garden layout, you may need to add more planting real estate to accommodate the crops you intend to grow. Making the move from recreational spring and summer gardening to growing a high percentage of your family’s fresh produce year-round requires careful planning. Looking to save some money and start harvesting your produce right from your own backyard vegetable garden?
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