We are trying raised bed gardening this year mainly because we have no sun in the backyard due to an oversized willow tree (and a small yard). A friend suggested using the front yard and although worried at first about what our neighbours would think, we gave it a try.
Let's just say, we are LOVING it!
Our only issues where related to inexperience with this type of gardening. They are:
- overcrowding due to inadequate trellises - we really didn't plan that part well
- shading caused by faster growing plants getting big before climbing plants have a chance
- organization of where plants are - too many trellis-needy plants in the same area
- large / fast growing plants encroaching on slower growing plants
However, things are going really well so no real worries. We will get what we get. So far we have several zucchinis, pumpkins, butternut squash and a few melons. We have eaten all our radishes and a lot of our lettuce and no new plants germinated :( We tried to plant seeds in intervals so there would be an ongoing crop but we didn't have luck with that (perhaps too hot/cold?)
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| here you can see our zucchini (right) taking over the whole bed (poor carrots) |
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somewhat full view of what is going on (with a goofy child thrown in)
Lots of sunflowers, some beans and peppers |
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| lettuce, pumpkins, peas and tomatoes |
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| herbs, red cabbage, butternut squash etc... |
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| Can you see our tiny watermelon? (lower middle) |
So you are also a Mel Bartholomew fan ! Great !
ReplyDeleteI should have read more of what Mel actually advocates which would have prevented some of my current problems! :) (ex. planting taller growing plants to the north side)
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