|
 A larger garden is needed for certain crops such
as sweet corn. Still, you do not have to plant the garden in a
traditional design of long rows. Gardens can be designed in
interesting ways and include flowers and vegetables for more visual
effect.
One trend right now is growing vegetables in raised beds and
containers. Container vegetable gardens are particularly popular
with gardeners who have little or no ground space. Containers may be
located almost anywhere and can be both decorative and harvestable.
Popular choices for container gardens include attractive pots of
kitchen herbs, hanging baskets of ripe red tomatoes, and window
boxes of bright leaf lettuce or fresh radishes. Dwarf vegetable
varieties work particularly well in containers.
If you don’t have a container, you can garden right in the potting
mix bags. Purchase potting soil bags at your local nursery or garden
center, and cut a few drainage holes in the back side of each bag.
Lay the bags flat on the ground, and then cut holes in the top of
the bags to make room for the plants. Use a hose to moisten the
potting mix, and then add plants. This makes a quick and easy
vegetable garden. [to top of second
column] |
For those with extremely limited space, a vertical garden might
be the way to go. Vining crops work especially well when trellised up a wall.
Other options include bean poles, teepees covered in vines, may poles, or even
tomato cages. Vegetables to try include peas, pole beans, squash, melons,
cucumbers, pumpkins, and some tomatoes. When choosing the structure, make sure
that it is strong enough to support whatever will grow on it. Plants loaded down
with fruit can become quite heavy. In some situations, dwarf varieties might
work better.
Gardening in straw bales is a revolutionary concept to some home gardeners. Some
feel that it solves every impediment today's home gardeners face: bad soil,
weeds, a short growing season, watering problems, limited gardening space, and
even physical difficulty working on ground level. Learn more about Straw Bale
Gardening from Kelly Allsup, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture
Educator, in her University of Illinois Extension Four Seasons Garden webinar on
YouTube at go.illinois.edu/4seasons_webinars.
Regardless of your gardening style or technique, have fun. Home gardening is
quite rewarding and very tasty.
Source: Rhonda J. Ferree, Extension Educator, Horticulture, ferreer@illinois.edu
[Terri Miller, MPA
County Extension Director - Unit 16]
|
