Planning the North Garden

In Farm Life, Flower Garden, Produce Garden by Laura CrossleyLeave a Comment

The North garden is already proving to be quite the undertaking. We knew when we started plowing and tilling that the garden space next to our barn was massive. Despite warnings, we acknowledged how much work it would be, but continued ahead.

So far – it’s amazing. We’re getting our first look at just how much we’re planting and what yields could total. More than anything, we’re overwhelmingly excited to be able to feed not only our family but also extended family, friends and neighbors. We’re also very likely to see you at some farmers’ markets this summer!

The plan still needs a bit of adjustment. We have a few additional seed sets and starts to finagle in. This process and the evolution of our plan seems worth documenting though. Here’s the next step from the vague grid I drew last week.

  • Tomatoes
    • Planting ~20 plants at 2-3′ spacing
    • Yield 8-12 lbs per plant
    • Companion planted with basil and marigolds for bug resistance
    • Companion planted next to carrots and peppers
  • Carrots
    • Planting ~120 carrot seeds at 3-4″ spacing and 1′ rows alternating with onions to repel onion fly
    • Yield 1 carrot per seed
    • Companion planted near tomatoes for shade
  • Onions
  • Basil
    • Planting 20 plants in 2 rows at 1′ spacing
    • Companion planted near tomatoes and peppers for bug resistance
  • Bell peppers
    • Planting ~20 plants in at 2-3′ spacing
    • Yields average of 3.6 lbs per plant
    • Companion plant near basil for bug resistance
  • Marigolds
    • Companion planting for insect repellant
  • Potatoes
    • Planting about 120 seed potatoes (80 red and 40 gold)
    • 60 linear feet of seed potatoes at 6-8″ spacing in 18″ rows
    • Yields average of 3-5 lbs per plant totaling 360+ lbs of potatoes
  • Nasturiums
    • Companion planting as trap plant
    • Read more about Nasturiums

More to come on the broccoli, brussel sprouts, lettuce, cabbage, spinach, kale, cucumbers, radishes, peas, parsnips, beets, garlic, cut flowers and melons.

Whew, this planning is tough!