I've previously gardened using 5-gallon buckets, but I've found that the growth is quite limited, and the sheer number of buckets made my yard look cluttered. Now, I'm looking to expand my gardening without having to deal with weeds and pesky grass. I'm tempted to direct sow my crops into the ground, but I'm worried about an uncontrolled weed and grass situation. I've started working on a planter with a barrier at the bottom, but it seems like that would cap my growth at around 3 feet. However, since it's wider than a bucket, would the roots still spread out and grow? Also, can I plant multiple types of crops in one planter? It's essentially a large square wooden box with a black cloth barrier underneath. I'd appreciate any tips!
3 Answers
A 5-gallon pot is really limiting, especially if you want bigger growth. I’ve had success with larger pots; 100-gallon ones let plants grow much larger, though they’re a pain to move. But keep in mind, even larger pots won’t let trees reach their full potential. If you're looking for unrestricted growth, raised beds might be the way to go! Just remember to add fresh compost each season to keep weeds down.
You can't completely get rid of weeds, but you can manage them! Try thick mulching with a variety of plants packed tightly together. This way, they can outcompete the weeds for resources. I’ve had great luck using the "three sisters" method with corn, beans, and squash together. You can also mix in some other plants like tomatoes and amaranth to keep it interesting and effective. Just remember, bare soil is a green light for weeds, so fill those gaps!
Don't sleep on compost! Fall leaves and compost can really help suppress weeds and improve your soil. You'll want to keep your veggies and herbs well-planted early in the season so they shade out weeds. I’ve embraced some "weeds" myself as they can be quite beneficial; for example, burdock or gobo has its perks. And if you're into podcasts, I’d highly recommend 'You Bet Your Garden' for practical tips!
Exactly! Raised beds make it easier to manage weeds and soil quality. Plus, you can design them shallow or deep, depending on what you grow.