People are always amazed at what I can grow here at Chosen Weeds Farm.
You see, I only have 1/4 of an acre. Everything is here in one spot, which is really nice, but it does seem small. I have to find creative ways to grow and raise everything on this space.
So how do I cram so much on such a little space?
Talent, my friends, talent!
I have done a TON of research have gone through numerous trials and errors to find out what works here. I even had a permaculture expert come out and help me with creating more yield.
At first seeing all this can seem overwhelming, especially when you want the same results. But take it from me, you don’t want to start huge. That gets too overwhelming.
There are many types of gardening techniques. Everything from container gardening, straw bale gardening, keyhole gardening, lasagna gardening…..Really I could go on and on.
Starting a food plot, doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming; and probably the easiest thing to start with is a small raised bed, about 8’X4’X 1.5’.
Follow these simple tips to get you started on your garden
Pick veggies that your family will eat. You may be able to grow okra or peppers really well, but if your family won’t eat them, you are just wasting your time, money, and energy.
Pick veggies/fruit that is designed for your region: Maybe you would like to try okra, but you live in a region that is too cold. The country is divided up into regions called hardiness zones. These zones are a guidelines that tell about frost dates and what grows well where. The back of seed packets will often have a map of hardiness zones for that specific plant.
Pick veggies/fruit seasonally: Certain plants grow better at certain times of the year. Broccoli, for instance, is a cool weather plant and won’t grow during the summer. Green beans stop producing when the temperatures reach 85 degrees. Choose your plants accordingly.
Pick where you will place your garden: Ask yourself these questions
Is it sunny or shady? Most plants will need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight
Where is the nearest water source?
Is it well drained?
A raised bed doesn’t have to be fancy. I used extra wood that I had laying around. I have even used an old boat liner and slide with holes drilled into the bottom (although this is more of a container). I like to reuse whatever I have. Get creative!
Line the bottom of your raised bed with cardboard. This will help keep the weeds out. Don’t worry, the cardboard will degrade. On top of the cardboard, dump some wood chips or leaves.
Wood Chips: If you have access to wood chips, go ahead and put a layer of this down. Wood chips improve soil structure and the soils ability to absorb, hold water, prevent compaction and erosion, and moderate soil temperatures. They also provide a slow release of nutrients for plants increased biodiversity in the garden
Fill the remainder of the bed with compost. Buying soil can get pricey, but a successful growing season starts with good soil. Really, it’s all about the soil.. If you know that you are going to be doing a garden, you can start your own compost now. The compost should be at least 2-3 inches. We are fortunate in that we have goats and chicken manure to use on the gardens. I realize that not everyone has access to this. However, if you know someone that has horses, cows, chickens, goats, etc., they are often more than willing to part with their stash as long as you haul it yourself. Just make sure it is well composted. If your family has guinea pigs or rabbits, their droppings make great compost and can be planted directly into.
Plant, water, harvest, enjoy!
Is it really that simple?
Yes, and no.
My best advice I can give is to start where you are and use what you have.
But start, what better time than now?
If you have and questions about getting started, comment below or contact me at 409-749-0184.
