Planning the New Garden

Of all the properties I’ve viewed, this one has the fewest edible plants established. There is only one shrub on the property, an evergreen of some sort (I’ve not yet researched to find its botanical name and info)—no tree, no clump of “weeds” that might be hiding edible foliage. I’m hoping to find dandelions this spring so I can enjoy the tender greens in salads.

With the plot being so bare and with minimal shade from the neighboring lots, my soon-to-be garden will get plenty of sunlight year-round. Unfortunately, I don’t anticipate there being any microclimate except in the shade cast by the cottage. While the tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant will thrive in the full sun, I need to plan carefully so as not to burn plants that don’t tolerate long hours of sunshine. Leafy greens are notorious for “bolting” when they get too much sun or in sustained heat.

In permaculture, I’ve learned that a canopy of mature trees is usually what protects the plants below. I’ll plant several fruit trees before mid-May, but they won’t cast much shade for several years. Being that this plot has no canopy, I’ll have to make use of trellises for sun-loving plants that will simultaneously shade the more delicate plants.

One of my priorities for this spring is to plant asparagus crowns, which take 3 years to mature. The fruit trees will go in this spring, too. My goal is to build a food forest with plenty of perennials and self-seeding annuals so I don’t have to do heavy gardening as I get older. I’ll plant plenty of annuals such as tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and other kitchen favorites. I’ll plant a couple of pepper plants in containers so I can over-winter them, getting 2 or 3 seasons out of one plant, something I’ve had success doing at the apartment balcony garden during the pandemic.

My seeds collection is packed in my luggage and ready to fly to the new house with me tomorrow!

—

Photo credit: Image by keziaschen from Pixabay This photo is NOT from the Green Street Tiny Cottage Homestead.

My seeds collection is packed in my luggage and ready to fly to the new house with me tomorrow!

My seeds collection is packed in my luggage and ready to fly to the new house with me tomorrow!