THE ERIE COMMUNITY GARDEN COALITION

HOW TO START YOUR FIRST GARDEN

 

1. Begin by assessing the amount of space you have and whether the garden will be raised beds, in pots or sown into the ground. 

 

2. Do your research. Look up how much space your favorite vegetables need, and be cautious. New gardeners often plant too much and end up wasting food. 

 

3. Remember that veggies, such as peppers, squash and tomatoes, provide throughout the season. You may not need to plant as many as you think you need.

 

4. If your garden soil seems to have the consistency of clay, you should consider adding some organic material. This material can be in the form of leaves or grass clippings from your yard, or composted material purchased at a local garden supply business. 

 

5. The best way to increase production is by picking the fruit of the plant regularly. 

 

6. If you have harvested too much, consider donating to your local soup kitchen or canning the excess. 

LOOK OUT FOR PESTS

 

1. Animal Pests--Depending on your location, rabbits, groundhogs, and deer can cause a lot of damage to your garden. The best solution is a fence, but you have to watch for signs of animals burrowing under or going over the fence and then respond accordingly.

 

2. Insect pests -- The best solution to insect problems are good garden practices that prevent or limit insect damage. These include inter planting vegetables, adding flowering plants that attract beneficial insects that control pests, and by being observant and hand picking problem insects.

 

3. Fungal Diseases--Disease cause by fungus can be one of the biggest problems in a vegetable garden. Reduce fungal disease by buying resistant varieties of plants, spacing plants and watering the soil, not the leaves of plants. If you use a sprinkler, do it early in the day so the leaves will dry by nightfall.

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4. If a plant falls prey to a disease, don't panic. Some plants can be nursed back to health by removing the diseased leaves and providing some diluted fertilizer. Others may have to be removed. A good gardening book or a call to the Erie County Penn State Extension Office (814-825-0900) can give you some direction.      

PICK THE PERFECT SPOT

 

1. Full sun. Most vegetables need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. 

 

2. Water supply. Your vegetables will need supplemental water when rain is limited. Sources may include public water, wells or captured rain water. 

 

3. Good soil. As with any kind of garden, success usually starts with the soil. Most vegetables do best in moist, well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter.

 

4. Many gardeners like to have their vegetable gardens near the house. This makes it easier to harvest fresh produce while you're cooking. It can also be handy to keep a few favorite potted vegetables next to your grill.