I'm diving into gardening for the first time and I'm in a zone 6a/6b area. I have two 4 ft x 8 ft raised beds that are about a foot high, built and ready to go. It seems I'm supposed to start planning my garden now in May! I've grown some herbs before, but that's about it. I'm looking for some solid guidance from seasoned gardeners on a few things:
1. Recommendations for organic or cleaner soil brands/products.
2. Suggestions for reliable organic seeds or plants.
3. Natural methods to keep pests away.
4. Tips on how to properly set up my garden (like using mesh or plastic for drainage).
5. What nutrients or products I should add to the soil.
6. Any other advice for a newbie gardener would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
Hey there! Congrats on starting your first garden! I recommend checking out local soil delivery companies instead of buying bagged soil—they usually offer a mix of screened topsoil and leaf compost that's super healthy for your plants. If you need bags, Espoma and Coast of Maine are decent options. Also, don't forget to add some earthworm castings and a bit of organic seaweed or kelp fertilizer to give your plants a boost. As for keeping pests away, try companion planting—marigolds near your tomatoes and herbs like basil can really help!
I also found adding some lavender and dill has helped keep pests at bay for me!
It sounds like you’re on the right track! For pest control, consider using neem oil for a natural option; it’s really effective. I also use floating row covers for my brassicas to keep the cabbage moths away—just repurpose some old sheer curtains if you can! And don’t forget to plant flowers like zinnias that attract beneficial insects while you’re at it!
Great point about repurposing old curtains! That's super eco-friendly too!
I've had success using diatomaceous earth as well. Just be careful with it around pollinators!
Welcome to gardening! For organic seeds, I recommend High Mowing Organic and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange; they've been reliable for me. It's important to get seeds from reputable brands to ensure good quality. For nutrients, a simple organic granular fertilizer like a 4-4-4 mix works well—just apply it a few times during the season if your soil is good. Have fun with it and start small so you’re not overwhelmed!
High Mowing is my go-to too! They have a great variety!
Good call on keeping it simple! Gardening really is a learning experience.
Totally agree about companion planting! Marigolds are like magic for pests. Plus, they look pretty!