Hey everyone! I'm excited to dive into gardening this year beyond just growing basil on my windowsill. I've just moved into a new house with existing garden beds, and I've got a few beginner questions:
1. The beds already have soil in them. Should I replace it? I'm not sure how old it is or what it's been used for last. Should I just add leaves at the bottom and put the old soil back?
2. The dimensions of my beds are about 3.5ft long, 1.5ft wide, and 1ft deep. How many veggies can I realistically plant? Is it okay to mix broccoli, cauliflower, and basil, or should I just stick to one type?
3. What about worms? Should I buy some, or will they naturally find their way up?
4. When is the best time to plant? Is now too late, or is it a good time to start? Should I use seedlings from stores like Lowe's, or is starting from seeds a better choice?
5. The beds are next to a big tree. Will they get enough light, or should I move them?
6. There's also an area of dirt in the middle of my yard. Is that suitable for growing veggies, or should I just plant flowers there?
If you have any other tips for a beginner like me, I'd love to hear them! Thanks so much! Here's a link to some pics of my beds and the area: https://imgur.com/a/9fst2qJ
2 Answers
Congrats on your new garden! When I moved into my place, my raised beds had a lot of weeds. I cleared them out, put a weed barrier down, and added some fresh soil. Just note that each veggie type needs specific spacing; some need more room than others!
Make sure to look into your planting zone for the right time to plant. Enjoy the process!
You can definitely work with the old soil! No need to replace it, but it might be a smart idea to get a soil test if you can. You might need to add some fertilizer and compost to boost those nutrients. About adding leaves or sticks, that’s really up to you. You don’t have to take all the dirt out; it could be extra work without a lot of benefit.
For worms, they're usually already in the soil. Just make sure to add compost to keep things balanced. Speaking of spacing, check with local seed companies for the best guidelines, as cramming too many plants can lead to competition for nutrients and space.
As for when to plant, it really depends on where you live. Let me know your state, and I can help find a planting calendar for you!
This is so helpful, thank you! I’m located in Washington.
I didn’t notice the plants say the spacing, thank you!!