Garden 2011

Here it is, my long-overdue post on my garden this year. I planted two beds that are probably about 6'x15' each. My hope is that later this year, I can move the cow fence back a bit, add four new beds of the same dimension, and place a fence around the entire garden. 

The layout of the garden is as follows:

Bed One:
Row 1: Tomatoes (Yellow Pear, Red Currant) and Marigolds
Row 2: Tomatoes (Jet Star) and Marigolds
Row 3: Tomatoes (Beefsteak, Jet Star, Sweet Aroma Hybrid) and Marigolds
Row 4: Tomatoes (Big Rainbow), Peppers (Jalapeno, Jupiter), and Marigolds
Row 5: Peppers (Sweet Pepper Mix, Yellow Bell, Revolution, Portugal Hot ) and Marigolds
Row 6: Radishes (Raxe)
Row 7: Carrots (Danvers 126)
Row 8: Carrots (Danvers 126)
Row 9 Herbs (Dill, Rosemary, Spearmint, Basil)
Row 10: Herbs (Cilantro, Rosemary, Italian Parsley. Chives)
Row 11: Originally had onions but transplants didn't survive. Will be used for fall plantings
Row 12: Lettuce (Rainbow Microgreens, Salad Bowl)
Row 13: Lettuce (Valeria Red Leaf)
Row 14: Originally had Dahlias but transplants didn't survive. Will be used for fall plantings
Row 15: Peas (Garden Sweet)
Border plantings include Pumpkins (Long Island Cheese, Jack-O'-Lantern), Gourds (Small Fancy Mix), Melons (Cool Green Honeydew, Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe, Sugar Bowl Watermelon), Zucchini (Foodhook Organic), Squash (Waltham Butternut), and Cucumbers (Picklebush)

Bed Two:
Row 1: Tomatoes (Jupiter, Brandywine) and Marigolds
Row 2: Tomatoes (Juliet) and Marigolds
Row 3: Tomatoes (Juliet, San Marzano) and Marigolds
Row 4: Tomatoes (San Marzano) and Marigolds
Row 5: Tomatoes (San Marzano) and Marigolds
Row 6: Tomatoes (San Marzano) and Marigolds
Row 7: Tomatoes (San Marzano) and Marigolds
Row 8: Tomatoes (San Marzano) and Basil
Row 9: Horehound, Catnip, Parsley and Basil
Row 10: Broccoli
Row 11: Cauliflower and Cabbage
Row 12: Brussels Sprouts and Celery
Row 13: Carrots (Rainbow Blend)
Row 14: Lettuce (Mesclun Mix)
Row 15: Lettuce (Mesclun Mix)
Row 16: Blank, will be used for fall plantings
Row 17: Hollyhocks (Heritage Outhouse Hollyhocks Single Mixed Colors)
Border plantings include Pumpkins (Small Sugar, Jack Be Little), Zinnias (Heritage Pumila Mixed), Cosmos (Heritage Sensation Mix), and Blanket Flower

I laid grass clippings as mulch between the rows, around the bed, and around each plant. This helps to smother out weeds, retain water, and keep the soil warm. I am hoping I can find enough old bricks on the property to create a little border around each bed. The space between the beds is big enough to fit the lawn tractor and wagon for unloading grass clippings, fertilizer, etc.

The kids and my mom helping to plant the garden

It's not a Martha Stewart garden, but it does the job for now. I've already harvested lots of lettuces and radishes, and soon I'll be able to have my pick of everything else (we have lots of green tomatoes raring to turn red!). In the fall I will plant more lettuce and radishes before I till everything together and plant winter wheat, winter rye, and garlic. To get to the garden, I have to walk under an old Ben Davis apple tree that is dripping with fruit. I set-up our antique lawn furniture next to the garden, as well, so I can watch it grow with morning coffee or evening cocktail. The cows come and visit, too.

Did you plant a garden this year? How is it growing? Are you trying to install your own container herb garden? I'd love to hear about your garden activities this year!