Beginning garden - Ask Extension
Hi, I have a community garden plot that is 20 x 20. I am looking for some advice on what to plant that isn't too difficult and that my kids will enjo...
Knowledgebase
Beginning garden #389962
Asked March 23, 2017, 7:44 PM EDT
Hi, I have a community garden plot that is 20 x 20. I am looking for some advice on what to plant that isn't too difficult and that my kids will enjoy. I am thinking fruits and vegetables, as well as herbs. Do you have a template or plans for beginning gardeners?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Vegetable gardening is a large topic, far too big for a single post in this forum. I'll start you off with some important references. First, from the University of Minnesota:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/vegetables/
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/vegetables/planting-the-vegetable-garden/
These publications are not from Minnesota, so beware of planting dates. But you'll find good information on planning a vegetable garden:
http://njaes.rutgers.edu:8080/pubs/fs129/
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/topic/info/vegetable_gardening
You might check with the community that runs your garden to see if they have some classes in vegetable gardening. For instance, St. Louis Park, where I live, runs classes for all residents, but especially for community gardeners.
Community gardens have their own special challenges: location of water and compost, rules regarding perennial plantings, pesticide usage, etc. Critters such as rabbits can be a big problem, so be prepared with rabbit fencing.
Tomatoes are probably the most popular crop, although they are somewhat high-maintenance. For children, radishes give almost instant gratification - they germinate quickly and are ready for harvest in a bit over a month. It goes without saying that you should grow things your children like to eat.
A common beginner mistake is not to plant soon enough. Many crops (lettuce, radishes, spinach, peas, beets, carrots, Swiss chard, kale, broccoli, parsnips) can be planted as soon as you can get into the soil (which may be now). Some of these especially need to be planted early (peas, spinach) since they don't do well when the weather turns hot.
Most fruit grow on perennial shrubs, vines and trees, and so require more space and more time before they produce crops. Some (raspberries) are invasive. Community gardens often forbid shrubs and perennials. But you might try strawberries.
I've seen herbs grown in community gardens, but they have a couple of drawbacks. Some of them are perennial (sage, marjoram, mint, for example) and even invasive (mint, garlic chives). So check your community garden rules. And I find I'm more likely to use them when they are more conveniently located.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/vegetables/
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/vegetables/planting-the-vegetable-garden/
These publications are not from Minnesota, so beware of planting dates. But you'll find good information on planning a vegetable garden:
http://njaes.rutgers.edu:8080/pubs/fs129/
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/topic/info/vegetable_gardening
You might check with the community that runs your garden to see if they have some classes in vegetable gardening. For instance, St. Louis Park, where I live, runs classes for all residents, but especially for community gardeners.
Community gardens have their own special challenges: location of water and compost, rules regarding perennial plantings, pesticide usage, etc. Critters such as rabbits can be a big problem, so be prepared with rabbit fencing.
Tomatoes are probably the most popular crop, although they are somewhat high-maintenance. For children, radishes give almost instant gratification - they germinate quickly and are ready for harvest in a bit over a month. It goes without saying that you should grow things your children like to eat.
A common beginner mistake is not to plant soon enough. Many crops (lettuce, radishes, spinach, peas, beets, carrots, Swiss chard, kale, broccoli, parsnips) can be planted as soon as you can get into the soil (which may be now). Some of these especially need to be planted early (peas, spinach) since they don't do well when the weather turns hot.
Most fruit grow on perennial shrubs, vines and trees, and so require more space and more time before they produce crops. Some (raspberries) are invasive. Community gardens often forbid shrubs and perennials. But you might try strawberries.
I've seen herbs grown in community gardens, but they have a couple of drawbacks. Some of them are perennial (sage, marjoram, mint, for example) and even invasive (mint, garlic chives). So check your community garden rules. And I find I'm more likely to use them when they are more conveniently located.
