Hey everyone! I'm completely new to gardening and have been wanting to start one for about 20 years. This fall, I'm planning to set up two 4x8x2 raised bed kits and want to get your advice before I dive in. I live in Georgia (zone 8A) and I'm thinking of placing one bed for full sun all day while the other will get full sun in the morning but some afternoon shade. Is it beneficial to have some veggies in the shaded area, or should both beds be in full sun? Also, as a total novice, is this size garden too ambitious?
I also plan to put a trellis on the full sun bed. I want to grow squash, zucchini, cantaloupe, cucumbers, bell peppers, jalapenos, green beans, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, onions, and garlic. Am I trying to do too much at once? Thanks for any help!
2 Answers
You’re on the right track! To answer your question about planting too much at once: don’t worry, you won’t have to harvest everything simultaneously. Different veggies have varied growth cycles, so you can stagger your planting. For example, lettuce is a cool-weather crop, so it’ll be done by the time summer heat hits.
You can interplant cucumbers and green beans with smaller plants, too, which maximizes space. Since you're in zone 8a, don’t forget you can start your fall/winter garden now. Just keep an eye on your budget and work gradually!
Great job thinking about sun exposure! Having a shaded area can actually benefit a lot of plants, especially during the hottest parts of the day. You can also create shade by using taller plants or even cloth if needed.
Regarding the number of veggies, it sounds like a lot for two beds! Just be sure to manage your space wisely; you won’t be able to fit many of each type without running out of room. For your initital season, I'd recommend starting small and focusing on fewer varieties to avoid feeling overwhelmed. By the way, carrots can be tricky, so keep that in mind!
Thanks for the tips! Which of these veggies do you think would actually benefit from the shade?
Thanks! I would love to start a fall/winter garden, but I'm a little tight on funds. Any tips on lesser-known items or tricks I should keep in mind?