Hey fellow gardeners! I'm a newbie in the DMV area, and I've always wanted to grow my own food. I finally decided to dive in full force and want to build at least two 10-foot long raised garden beds. I'm hoping to plant around 15 different types of foods, plus some cover crops like flowers, since I've read they're beneficial. I believe I'm in zone 7A.
Here's the plan so far for what I want to grow: squash, kale, spinach, carrots, bell peppers, peas, green beans, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, hot peppers, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cucumber, garlic, strawberries, blueberries, apple trees, thyme, rosemary, parsley, basil, chamomile, and marigolds.
I really want to make sure I can sustain my family of four and also share the extra with those in need in my community. I'm also thinking about composting.
Is this all too ambitious? If so, what would you suggest I plant this year? I keep hearing about companion planting, and I'm lost on how to arrange multiple plants in one raised bed. I'm trying to be more sustainable and feed my family and community as best I can.
I have a patch of dirt near my front door where I'd like to plant the blueberries and maybe the apple trees. Any advice, tips, or suggestions would be hugely appreciated! Thanks so much!
3 Answers
There’s definitely a learning curve! Trying to juggle 15 different crops might be too much initially since they all have different needs and pests. I’d suggest picking just 3 to 5 main crops plus a few herbs to start. You can always build your garden from there as you gain experience. Pro tip: try not to overwater, even though we all do at some point!
You might find companion planting helps, but just be cautious—it’s not always a foolproof solution. Don't overlook physical barriers like hardware cloth and insect netting to keep those pests away!
Honestly, that sounds a bit ambitious given your space. You might need more beds, especially if you want to include the apple trees. Some of your plants, like hearty greens, can be planted later in the year after your summer veggies are done. I’d recommend putting your berries and herbs in pots or a plant tower to save space and get better sunlight. It's a lot for a beginner, but if you have the space and are committed, why not give it a shot? Just skip seeds this time and go for quality seedlings from a local nursery instead.