GARDEN

BASICS

Obadiah Njue, Ph.D.

Department of Agriculture
870-575-8152

Garden Basics
The 3 Ps:
Planning Your Garden
Preparing the Soil
Planting Your Vegetables

Planning Your Garden

Site location very important!
Note: A spot near the house might appear
most convenient
Consider shade, drainage, soil quality, insecticide
sprays
Locating your garden far from the house may be
necessary!

Swiss Chard

Planning Your Garden (continued)

Light exposure
Most crops need at least 6 hours of full sun
each day

Water source
Establish your garden near a water source
Avoid using long lengths of hoses

Planning Your Garden (continued)

Your choice of vegetables What and
how much to plant.
Types of vegetables determined by:
Family use
Sharing
For sale

Quantity No. of plants

Varieties Ordering seeds from catalogs
Time of planting seeds and/or transplants

Preparing the Soil

Preparing the Soil

Fertile, well drained soil is necessary for a
successful garden.
Soil should be well drained, well supplied
with organic matter, reasonably free of
stones, and hold moisture well.
When manure is added to the soil, it must
be well composted prior to planting.
Soil test your garden and amend as
recommended.

Preparing the Soil (continued)

Fertilizer rates should be applied with
great caution more isnt always better!
Crops have varying fertilizer needs roots
or tubers, leafy greens, flowers, seeds.
Always follow recommendations or
directions on label or Soil Test results.

Planting Your Vegetables

Establish pathways avoid compacting the soil.
Know planting dates for your plants.
Refer to the Year-Round Home Garden
Planting Guide for planting dates.
Consider shading effect by taller plants garden
orientation is important.
Consider growth habits of your plants
Read labels
Ask questions especially for new varieties

Consider Shading
Effect &
Orientation!

Planting Your
Vegetables/Ornametals (continued)
Sowing seeds and transplanting
Planting depths
Spacing

Provide adequate moisture

Water transplants prior to planting reduces
transplant shock.
If root ball of transplants is tangled and
compacted, gently loosen the outer roots with
your finger before planting.
Water your plants as needed.

Raised Bed
Gardening
17

Raised Bed Gardens

A gardening technique growing in
popularity.
Provides fresh and healthy food to the
family and community.
The most commonly used method of
small space gardening.

Advantages of Raised Bed Gardens

Maintenance
Can be raised to a convenient height
Easier to manage

Gardening on difficult sites

Extended growing season
Better drainage
High yields

Types of Raised Beds

Temporary Raised Beds

Permanent Raised Bed?

Permanent Raised Bed

Permanent Raised Bed

Permanent Raised Bed

Raised Bed Growing Media

One that provides good drainage
Example 1/3 potting soil, 1/3 top soil and
1/3 composted manure

Have your soil tested!

Top Soil

Potting Mix

Swiss Chard planted

on the same date

Planting Your Vegetables

Know planting dates for your plants.
Refer to the Year-Round Home Garden
Planting Guide for planting dates.
Consider shading effect by taller plants
garden orientation is important.
Consider growth habits of your plants.

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Lateral shoot

37

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Tomatoes

39

40

Crop Rotation

Why is Crop Rotation Important?

Balancing soil fertility

Disease prevention/management
Insect prevention/management
Increased yields

Understanding Vegetable Families

Nightshades Solanaceous
Tomatoes, peppers, egg plants, potatoes

Morning glory Convolvulaceae

Sweetpotato

Melons & Squash Cucurbitaceae

Cucumbers, watermelons, zucchinni, squash

Cole Brassicas
Collards, kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower

Understanding Vegetable families

Goosefoot Chenopodiaceae
Spinach, beet, chard

Peas Legumes
Peas, beans, peanuts

Onions Liliaceae
Onions, leeks, chives, garlic

49

Questions?
50

Obadiah Njue, Ph.D.

Department of Agriculture
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
870-575-8152