Planning a Garden 101 - Episode 1

It has come to my attention that many of my friends are planning to start and/or expand gardens during 2014.  Laudable goals my friends!  Excited to have you joining us on the journey!  That said, it appears from speaking to many of you that you are lacking in experience and/or knowledge that might be helpful to you.  Based on these observations I come bearing good news.

This year, our family will be growing a large garden entirely from seeds, bulbs and a handful of starters (potatoes and strawberries primarily).  Purchasing the plants at stores has yielded little to no positive results in the past with the exception of tomatoes so we're going rogue this year and thought we would invite you on the journey.  Over and above that most plants offered in stores are GMO based and will not yield seed that can be harvested for the following year.  I have been "playing" with seeds for quite some time and am looking forward to helping you turn your shopping experience in a store into one that takes place 100% under your control. 

This also becomes a GIANT homeschool project for any family.  Not a homeschooler?  We could care less.  As far as we're concerned if you're an active parent in the lives of your children we're very happy to have you on board as a "part time homeschooler". You'll realize you're one of us soon enough.  You are, as I call them, a "homeschooler who just happens to send their children to school". 

Before we start this journey of purchasing and planting, we must begin with plotting.  One must plot a garden or the garden will never succeed.  For the next week, I am going to show you how I plot my gardens and the steps I take to do so as I am doing them.  The good news is while you can follow me now, this series really isn't meant to be acted on immediately unless you also live in the great frozen tundra like me (Montana, but close enough! LOL).  This week's gardening posts will be:

1. Choosing Plants: Some plants are superior to others, learn how to figure out what is best for your family.

2. Companion Planting: Some plants are itching to go on dates with each other.  Others would rather fling rotten tomatoes.  Avoid mistakes in your garden's placement now!

3. How Much to Plant: Calculating how much product you need based on the average yield of a plant.

4.  Planting Plans: How to develop them and the most effective ways to implement them.

5. Plotting a Garden: How to make the first 4 posts work together to create the perfect garden!


See you tomorrow!