I've been thinking about how my parents used to have a vegetable garden filled with cucumbers, peppers, beans, and tomatoes (yes, I know that's a fruit!). They've moved to a heavily wooded area in Upper Michigan where the soil isn't great, and they haven't started gardening again. I want to help them out and have a spot in their yard that gets decent sunlight—about 20 square feet. I'm planning to build some raised beds while they're away. Can anyone share advice on whether raised beds are a good idea in this situation? What vegetables should I focus on growing there? Any tips would really help! Thanks!
3 Answers
Raised beds are awesome because they reduce bending and make it easier to grow veggies. I’ve got mine set up in a similar shady spot, and I've had success with lettuce, spinach, and some herbs. Plus, they warm up quicker in spring, which is perfect for shorter growing seasons!
Don’t forget to keep the beds around 4' wide for easier access from both sides!
You might also want to check out Greenstalks! They're vertical planters that save space and can handle a variety of plants like lettuces and even strawberries. They have some great offers going on right now, and you can even get them on wheels to move them around as needed!
Yeah, I’ve seen those! Perfect for limited light and small spaces!
That sounds like a cool option! I'll check them out.
For low-light areas, leafy greens are your best bet. Consider planting things like lettuce, kale, and chard. They tend to thrive even without direct sunlight, and you can enjoy fresh salads!
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely look into those veggies.