I will be starting my first veggie garden this spring and have a plot 15' x 15' to work with. It's part of an organic community garden so there are a bunch of plots surrounding mine. I have topsoil at home which I will transport sometime in the next week or so and will build a raised bed to contain soil and inhibit gophers. I'm concerned about losing that soil and about getting too many weeds. Is it too late to plant anything? Any other suggestions?
beginning veggie gardener zone 8b
I have seen people take wire mesh and clean cardboard to line the bottom of the raised bed. The wire keeps out critters and the cardboard blocks the weeds then breaks down. Throw your topsoil on top of all that. You could go as far as getting a blue tarp and covering the bed (once filled) to block the sun out for a week or so to further kill any weeds.
Two suggestions:
There is nothing you can do to your garden to make up for not having good soil. Good soil is so key. Make sure it has lots of organic matter in it. make sure it drains well. Get it tested by your state lab to see what you need to add to it to make it better.
Talk to others around you to see what grows well and what doesn't
Hey bgrimshaw! It's been a while since your post, so you might have started already. If not, then you might look into Mel Bartholomew's Square Foot Gardening system. He has a website and his book is available at most libraries. Since you're planning on building a raised bed and bringing in your own soil anyway, his method might be just right for you. I know it was worked wonders for me, and I have had no problems with weeds or soil. Good luck!
Anyone know when I should start my seeds indoors in New Brunswick canada? Hmmm not sure what zone I am.
turkeylady - Welcome to Dave's!
My parents live across the border from New Brunswick in Maine and they are Zone 4. Here is a map you should be able to figure out your zone based on your location. They plant out things like tomatoes and peppers around Memorial day and are getting ready to start their seeds before the end of March. Hope that helps.
Kelly
http://www.veseys.com/ca/en/learn/reference/hardinesszones/newbrunswick?veseys=2lq5j6lgo2if87ne164ruop877
Kelly,
Tell her about Winter Sowing!
lol Linda - you are the wintersowing queen of 2010. Is that forum subscribers only?
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