BV Community Ed

GARDENING BASICSFOR SMALL SPACESAND CONTAINERS : 

GARDENING BASICSFOR SMALL SPACESAND CONTAINERS Cheryl Forrest

GARDENING BASICS : 

GARDENING BASICS Today’s Agenda 1.) introduction Master Gardener Program Speaker 2.) gardening basics 3.) approaches to small space gardening 4.) techniques / methods used in small space and container gardening

Master Gardeners : 

Master Gardeners Begun in 1977 and administered by the University of Minnesota Extension Found in 85 counties with nearly 2000 volunteers averaging 58 hours of time Dakota County has over 130 volunteers averaging 66 hours

University of Minnesota : 

University of Minnesota As a land grant institution, the University has three purposes: Teaching Research Outreach Teach research--based horticultural information Teach University research--based information per Extension’s purpose and mission.

Master Gardener Program : 

Master Gardener Program Mission: Support Extension by providing volunteers trained in horticulture to educate the public with research based information on the best practices in consumer horticulture and environmental stewardship. The Master Gardener Program will provide an environment for its volunteers that is friendly and supportive, so their training, experience, and enthusiasm will produce maximum benefits to their communities.

Dakota County Master Gardeners : 

Dakota County Master Gardeners Umore Gardens East of Rosemount on County. Rd 46

UMore events : 

UMore events “Let’s Get Planting” - plant sale Saturday, May 9th 9:00 - Noon “Tuesday Nights in the Garden” 6:30 - 8:00 pm all summer

Introduction : 

Introduction Who is Cheryl Forrest?

Introduction : 

Introduction Purpose of small space / container gardening: to harvest the most produce possible from a given space. Other names: intensive gardening, mini-gardening.

Introduction : 

Introduction Why plant your own veggies? Reduce carbon footprints Grow your own Buy local from coops, farmers’ markets Economic savings Health benefits Control use of pesticides / herbicides

Gardening in General : 

The emphasis in this section will be on gardening techniques, both in general and for small spaces. Gardening in General

Selecting the Site : 

Selecting the Site Level ground

Selecting the Site : 

Selecting the Site 6 – 8 hours of sunlight (or more)

Selecting the Site : 

Selecting the Site No competing roots

Selecting the Site : 

Selecting the Site Stay away from black walnut trees - jugalone is toxic to many veggie varieties (tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, eggplant) use a raised bed with fresh soil

Selecting the Site : 

Selecting the Site Good drainage

Selecting the Site : 

Selecting the Site Close to a water source Protected from the wind

Selecting the Site : 

Selecting the Site Avoid … Compacted soil Close to road or driveway Close to buildings

Preparing the Site : 

Preparing the Site Round Up

Preparing the Site : 

Preparing the Site Remove sod

Preparing the Site : 

Preparing the Site Roto Till

Preparing the Site : 

Preparing the Site Soil test Univ. website: http://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/garden.htm

Resources : 

Resources Yard & Garden Line: (612) 624-4771 University Extension www.extension.umn.edu/gardeninfo/Dakota County Extension Office: (651) 480-7700 e-mail: dakota@extension.umn.edu Plant Health Care Clinics: Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., June - August Dakota County Extension Office

Preparing the Site : 

Preparing the Site Amend the soil

Amend the Soil : 

Amend the Soil Manure

Amend the Soil : 

Amend the Soil Additives based on soil test

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Brainstorm favorite veggies

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden What to grow? Consider Space per plant Height and width Bush or dwarf varieties Root depth per plant if using containers Support needed Nutritional value Economic value

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Consider mature plant size Can grow into

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Nutritional Value See handout Excellent sources Very good sources Good sources

Techniques / Methods : 

Techniques / Methods Economic Value: top 16 veggies Tomatoes Beets Green Onions Storage Onions (bulbs) Leaf lettuce Turnips Summer Squash Edible pod peas Pole Beans Bush Beans Carrots Cucumbers Peppers Broccoli Head lettuce Swiss Chard

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Varieties to consider See Iowa State handout on cultivars for container gardeners Examples Pole Beans Blue Lake, Kentucky Wonder Radishes Champion, Comet, Sparkler, White Icicle, Early Scarlet Globe

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Beans Use Rhizobia bacteria Pole beans need support Flower buddy Marigolds Varieties Tendergreen Imp. Blue Lake 274

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Beets A natural cleanser which removes toxins from the body and nourishes the bloodstream Varieties Ruby Queen Detroit Dark Red

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Broccoli High nutrient (NPK) requirements Varieties Early Emerald Marathon (fall) Benefits: sulforaphane antioxidants

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Cabbage Needs high nutrients and heavy watering to start. To control head splitting shear roots Benefits Vitamin C Varieties Savoy King (AAS)

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Cantaloupes Heat lovers plastic mulch Variety Earlisweet Hale’s Jumbo Ambrosia Iowa study

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Carrots Use a raised bed Interplant with radishes and lettuce Thin with shears Varieties Imperator Nantes (Scarlet) Danvers Chantenay

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Cucumbers Grow on trellis Cucumber beetles? Grow bitterless varieties (Aria, Jazzer, Holland, Lemon) Varieties Straight Eight (slicing) National Pickling (pickles)

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Eggplant Varieties Black Beauty Dusky

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Lettuce Good crop for succession planting Varieties Black Seeded Simpson Buttercrunch Salad Bowl Mix

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Onions Bulbs are best

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Peas Use Rhizobia bacteria Cool weather crop Double row to share support Varieties Early Alaska Little Marvel Sugar Snap peas Snow peas: Oregon

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Peppers Heat lover -- mulch Capsaicin levels varies from bell to habanero Varieties Sweet /Green CA Wonder Hot peppers: buy plants of different varieties

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Potatoes Varieties Red: Norland, Pontiac White: Kennebec Yellow: Yukon Gold Sweet: Georgia

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Pumpkin Require large space Mulch Variety Jack-O-Lantern Connecticut Field

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Radishes Cool weather crop Interplant with lettuce and/or carrots Varieties Cherry bell Sparklers White Icicle

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Tomatoes Determinate Celebrity (AAS) Indeterminate Early Girl Big Beef (AAS) Jet Star Cherry: Sun Gold, Sweet Million, or Sweet 100

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Spinach Cool weather crop High in vitamins and minerals Varieties Bloomsdale Tyee

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Summer Squash Mulch to warm soil Varieties Black Beauty Zucchini Horn of Plenty Yellow Crookneck Pattypan

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Swiss Chard Treat like spinach Varieties White: Fordhook Red: Rubarb Mixed: Rainbow

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Watermelon Heat lover: plastic mulch (red) Varieties Crimson Sweet

Planning the Garden : 

Planning the Garden Winter Squash Cure in sun 10 days at harvest Varieties Waltham Butternut Tabletop Acorn

Starting Seeds : 

Starting Seeds Start with high quality seeds Hybrids vs heirloom ??? Purchase from a dependable company, preferably one from the upper midwest Jungs, Henry Fields, Gurneys, Farmers Look for the number of days to harvest (@ 80) Look for disease resistant varieties

Starting Seeds : 

Starting Seeds Factors : Light Color : fluorescent lights work great Time: 12-16 hours a day Adjustable heights 4-6” above seeds

Starting Seeds : 

Starting Seeds Factors : Containers Personal preference rules …. Trays Peat pots Plastic take-out trays Milk cartons Egg cartons

Starting Seeds : 

Starting Seeds Factors : Medium Light , porous and sterile Purchase soil less mixtures or make your own from equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite

Starting Seeds : 

Starting Seeds Factors : Heat Purchase heating mats or cables Once plant has germinated, reduce the heat to produce sturdy, compact plants

Starting Seeds : 

Starting Seeds Factors : Sowing the Seed 2-3 seeds per compartment or a mass planting in a tray Either method assumes a thinning process. Depth: 2-3 times the seed’s diameter Recent reports use a 4-5 times ratio A moist medium is helpful Label, label, label

Starting Seeds : 

Starting Seeds Factors : Moisture Water reserve below Mist daily but check for humidity levels Cover with plastic wrap or cover Once plants get their first few leaves stop misting, uncover, and water at base of plant Fertilizer with a water-soluble solution once a week mixed at quarter strength after plants set several sets of true leaves

Starting Seeds : 

Starting Seeds Transplanting Transplant any plants that outgrow containers

Starting Seeds : 

Starting Seeds Hardening Off Approximately 2 weeks before transplanting Start in a sheltered, shady spot and gradually move into sun and wind

Getting a Head Start : 

Getting a Head Start Cold Frames Hot Beds : heated by soil heating cables, stream-carrying pipes, or fresh, manure / straw beneath the rooting zones of the plants

Getting a Head Start : 

Getting a Head Start Greenhouses

Getting a Head Start : 

Getting a Head Start Cones

Getting a Head Start : 

Getting a Head Start Hot Caps

Getting a Head Start : 

Getting a Head Start Row Covers / Tunnels

Getting a Head Start : 

Getting a Head Start Floating Row Covers / Blankets

Approaches to Small Space Gardening : 

Approaches to Small Space Gardening 1.) Raised Bed Gardening 2.) Vertical Gardening 3.) Companion Gardening 4.) Square Foot Gardening 5.) Succession Gardening 6.) Container Gardening

1. Raised Beds : 

1. Raised Beds Advantages: Access & Visibility Improved soil quality - walnut / juglone experience Less soil compaction Improved drainage Fewer weeds Warms up faster in spring Use on difficult sites - slopes Handicap accessible

Raised Beds : 

Raised Beds 3-4 feet wide; as long as desired Minimum 12” deep; deeper the better If using wood sides do not use arsenic treated or railroad ties

Raised Beds : 

Raised Beds Treating wood used for raised beds: Use Chromated Copper Arsenate Ammoniated Copper Arsenate Do not use pentachlorophenol or creosote preservatives!

Raised Beds : 

Raised Beds Double digging Remove top 12 inches of soil Loosen next 12 inches of compacted soil Return top layer mixed with compost or manure Can also use pathway dirt Use a balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer at 3-4 teaspoons per square foot

Raised Beds : 

Raised Beds Planting suggestion : wide row planting Two Options: Using string, divide width of bed in half (18-24 inches) Make beds 3 feet wide, fill entire width Techniques: Scatter or broadcast seeds When seeds germinate, thin aggressively

Raised Beds : 

Raised Beds Wide Row Planting Works best with leaf lettuce, spinach, chard and other leafy vegetables; might also work with beans, peas, beets, carrots Could also double or triple single rows about 4 inches apart

Raised Beds : 

Raised Beds Ideas from Mpls Home & Garden Show

Raised Beds : 

Raised Beds Ideas from Mpls Home & Garden Show

Raised Beds : 

Raised Beds Ideas from Mpls Home & Garden Show

Raised Beds : 

Raised Beds The ultimate raised bed garden

2. Vertical Gardening : 

2. Vertical Gardening Advantages Better air circulation Better access to sunlight Less exposure to soil pathogens Easier to harvest Faster drying time after rain Less likely for veggies to be deformed

Vertical Gardening : 

Vertical Gardening Use in combination with raised beds, containers, etc. Soil should be deep and well-drained A higher rate of fertilization might be needed Plants will dry out faster; also an advantage to plants susceptible to fungus Beware of shadowing sun-loving crops; use at north end of garden

Vertical gardening : 

Vertical gardening Pole beans Cucumbers Peas Tomatoes (indeterminate) Melons

Vertical : 

Vertical Trellises Obelisks

Vertical Gardening : 

Vertical Gardening Cages

Vertical Gardening : 

Vertical Gardening The Tomato Stud

Vertical Gardening : 

Vertical Gardening Poles, stakes

Vertical Gardening : 

Vertical Gardening Poles, stakes

Vertical Gardening : 

Vertical Gardening Spirals (tomatoes)

Vertical Gardening : 

Vertical Gardening Towers Pea and Pole Bean

Vertical Gardening : 

Vertical Gardening Strings, nets

3. Companion Gardening(Interplanting) : 

3. Companion Gardening(Interplanting) The growing of two or more vegetables in the same space at the same time. Various methods: Alternating rows within a bed Mixing plants within a row Distributing various species throughout the bed

Companion Planting : 

Companion Planting

Companion Planting : 

Companion Planting Benefits: 1.) Helps control pests Hide or mask one plant from pests Produce odors that confuse pests Provide “trap” crops that draw pests away from other plants Act as nurse plants for beneficial insects Attract beneficial insects

Companion Planting : 

Companion Planting Benefits 2.) Help each other grow Provide complimentary nutrients Tall plants provide shade for shorter plants 3.) Use garden space efficiently

Companion Planting : 

Companion Planting Disadvantages Difficult to spray for pests Difficult to weed

Companion Gardening : 

Companion Gardening Factors to be considered: Length of growth period Growth patterns (height, space, etc.) Possible negative effects on neighboring plants Preferred growing seasons Light, nutrient and moisture requirements

Companion Planting : 

Companion Planting Examples: Long season (carrots) and short season (radishes) Taller plants (tomatoes) and shade loving plants (spinach or lettuce) Heavy feeders (cabbage family) and light feeders (spinach and lettuce)

Companion Planting : 

Companion Planting Examples

Companion Planting : 

Companion Planting Don’t forget to mix in flowers and herbs! Marigolds, Nasturtium, Calendula, Sunflowers Mints - invasive Basil Sage Rosemary Thyme Dill Garlic, onions, chives

Companion Planting : 

Companion Planting Examples

Companion Planting : 

Companion Planting What to plant? see North Dakota Extension handout Example : Tomatoes Companions = Cukes, peppers, onions Enemies = Corn, kohlrabi, potatoes Allies = Basil, bee balm, marigolds

4. Square Foot Gardening : 

4. Square Foot Gardening Square foot gardening is a good method to use a combination of … raised beds, vertical gardening, and companion planting.

Square Foot Gardening : 

Square Foot Gardening 1.) Lay the garden out in 1 foot squares, not rows; make a grid showing these squares 2.) Devote each square to a particular plant 3.) This concept prefers boxes, new soil Source: Square Foot Gardening - Mel Bartholomew

Square Foot Gardening : 

Square Foot Gardening

Square Foot Gardening : 

Square Foot Gardening A poor drainage area could lead to “wet feet” Depth = 6 -12 inches Ideal soil: 25 - 50% = compost, vermiculite, and peat moss think “outside the box” = never walk inside Can be done on top of an existing garden simply using boards as walkways.

Square Foot Gardening : 

Square Foot Gardening Remember to put the vertical supports on the north side away from sun! Note: can be used on a deck or patio.

5. Succession Planting : 

5. Succession Planting Seasonal cycle Cool: lettuce, spinach, radishes, peas Warm: beans, beets Cool: try planting cool weather crops again in late August

Succession Planting : 

Succession Planting Relaying Overlapping : every two weeks or at the three leaf stage Mix varieties of same plant by maturity dates (early, mid and late season) example: cabbage

Succession Planting : 

Succession Planting Vary start dates: 1.) start half your seeds indoors (April) 2.) directly seed other half outside (June) example: cucumbers

Succession Planting : 

Succession Planting Note: Succession Planting is not Crop Rotation. Succession Planting is within one season Crop Rotation is year-to-year Rotate in a five year cycle Root crops Cabbage crops Legume and Salad crops Potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers Vine crops: cucumbers, squash, pumpkins

6. Container Gardening : 

6. Container Gardening What to use?

Container Gardening : 

Container Gardening Ceramic Clay Plastic Note: Be sure to sterilize re-used pots in a 10% bleach solution for 30 minutes,

Container Gardening : 

Container Gardening Window box Wood containers Strawberry Jars

Container Gardening : 

Container Gardening Barrels Metal

Container Gardening : 

Container Gardening 5 Gallon Buckets

Container Gardening : 

Container Gardening Be Creative

Container Gardening : 

Container Gardening

Container Gardening : 

Container Gardening Upside-Down Tomatoes

Container Gardening : 

Container Gardening Suggestion- hang from an elevated deck.

Container Gardening : 

Container Gardening Container considerations: Drainage - a must; preferred side drain holes Size - bigger / deeper the better - see handout Color - dark colors absorb heat Previous use- avoid anything toxic

Container Gardening : 

Container Gardening Container consideration Materials Clay - heavy, dries out easily Wood - rots, not long lasting Avoid arsenic treated wood Plastic - drainage is important Ceramic - drainage, heat (color) Metal - drainage, heat / cold

Container Gardening : 

Container Gardening Combinations Salad: leaf lettuce, bush cucumber, dwarf tomatoes, parsley Tomato sauce Barrel: tomato, onions, herbs (oregano, basil) Root crops: beets, carrots, radishes, onions, parsnips - use foot deep container

Container Gardening : 

Container Gardening Combinations: Herb garden

Small Space GardeningTechniques / Method : 

Small Space GardeningTechniques / Method In this next section we’ll focus on the techniques and methods used to garden in small spaces. The emphasis will be on container gardening.

Small Space GardeningTechniques / Methods : 

Small Space GardeningTechniques / Methods Location Light - most veggies need minimum 6 hours of sunlight Mobility could be important Attract heat in spring Avoid extreme heat in summer

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods How to fit into your landscape: Be creative! Aesthetically pleasing to you and your neighbors Group in areas where soil is poor or unavailable (patio, deck, pool area) Vary levels of heights for interest Mix with flowers or garden structures

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Soil Garden soil is not good to use Clay poor drainage too little air pulls away from sides of containers Weeds Disease

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Ideal Soil Mixture for Containers 1/3 pasteurized loam 1/3 drainage material Perlite, vermiculite, builder’s gravel (sand) 1/3 organic matter Compost, peat moss

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Lasagna Gardening A no-dig approach Can easily be used with raised beds Also known as Layered Gardening

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Lasagna Gardening Soil 5 layers of newspaper or cardboard 2-3 inches of peat moss 2-3 inches compost Alternate additional layers until 18-24 inch depth is reached Finish with peat Water, water, water

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Lasagna Gardening : Compost Materials grass clippings leaves fruit and vegetable scraps coffee grounds; tea leaves and tea bags manure shredded newspaper or junk mail (not colored) pine needles spent flower blooms, garden trimmings sawdust or small wood chips

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Soil Test Test your loam and compost if not purchased Very useful if using raised beds, square foot gardening, etc. Website = http://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Amending the soil Add a slow release fertilizer when planting You might want to consider adding a polymer crystals product to retain water

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Watering Drainage is very important - do not waterlog your plants Side holes are best Elevated to allow water to drain away outside container inside container

Small Space Gardening Techniques - Method : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques - Method Self-watering

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Method : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Method Drainage hole is on side Absorbing wick Watering tube Soil is elevated

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Method : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Method Filled with dirt & perforated with holes to act as a wick

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Drainage Plastic mesh Planter inserts

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Other suggestions Crushed pop cans Packing peanuts Use coffee filter between dirt and filler

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Watering Check daily; morning is best Dry, hot or windy weather, check twice Water until it runs out the bottom . Periodically flush soil to rid it of unused fertilizers. Avoid wetting the leaves.

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Fertilize: Add a complete fertilizer once every two weeks. Base mix recipe 2 cups balanced fertilizer 10-20-10, 12-24-12, etc 1 gallon warm water Use 2 tablespoons in 1 gallon water

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Mulch Grass clippings (3-4 inches) Straw (4-6 inches) Sawdust (1-2 inches)

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods General Care Be ready to provide support system Check daily for pests and disease Take advantage of mobility in case of extreme weather (heat / cold, wind) or bad weather (hail) See handout for list of common problems

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Harvest Pick fresh & enjoy!

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods : 

Small Space Gardening Techniques / Methods Extras ? Preserve: can, freeze, dry Share: neighbors, friends, food shelf

Slide 146: 

For more information … Websites www.extension.umn.edu/gardeninfo Visit the Master Gardener Education & Research Gardens (UMore) County Road 46 SE of Rosemount

Summary : 

Summary For more information please check with any Dakota County Master Gardener Thanks!