Here are first steps for planning a vegetable garden.
Photo credit: Kim Frey
- Test your soil. Kits are available at Penn State Extension (Farm & Home Center in Lancaster). Decide if your soil needs amendments.
- Start planning in January!
- Familiarize yourself with seed packets and catalogs which contain essential information on individual plants.
- Choose a location with 6-8 hours of sunlight and access to water.
- Choose the shape and size of your garden. Raised beds, Keyhole, Wide rows, or traditional long rows… are some suggestions.
- Start small until you know how much time you have to spend.
- Decide how much you want or need to produce. Will you preserve some?How many people are you feeding?
- Keep a journal to record crop rotation and other important info.
- Think about whether to use mulch and what kind.
