A Season of New Beginnings
There’s something special about September that feels like new beginnings. The excitement of summer travel is still somewhat fresh, and the novelty of new purchases brought back has not worn off yet. Kids are eager to don new shoes and uniforms and pack schoolbags with books for an exciting new school year. Once the hustle and bustle of the first days of school have settled, it’s time to exhale and prepare for the last stretch leading up to the holidays and year end. For backyard farmers, though, there is more excitement to come in this period. This is the time of year to pour through seed catalogs and plan for the upcoming vegetable production season. As a commercial farmer, I find this time of year as exciting as a student returning with the trendiest new backpack, as I choose what vegetables I want the pleasure of growing and eating over the next 8-10 months. If you’re new to backyard farming and don’t know where to start, here are some tips to get your garden growing and off to a flourishing start.
Location, Location, Location
Choosing the best location for your garden is a very important first step. Make sure the location meets as many of the following characteristics as possible: 1) It receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. 2) It is close to a spigot or a water source that you can connect a hose to for ease of regular watering. 3) It is relatively close to the front door or kitchen so that you pass or see the garden daily. By ensuring the chosen location meets at least 2 of these requirements, you’ve increased your chances of successful production.
Choose a Growing System
You may choose to grow in containers or in raised beds. Container gardens are great if you don’t have a lot of space. Choose plant pots that are five-gallon size or larger, or up-cycle five-gallon buckets or large storage totes. Fill the container with a mixture of two parts potting mix, one-part native soil, and a half-part compost or composted manure. If you go with raised beds, you can choose from concrete blocks, wood, or even old tires to contain the soil. Backfill the beds with a mixture of 2-parts native topsoil and 1-part compost or composted manure to a minimum depth of 10-12 inches.
Choosing What to Grow
Choose vegetables that you enjoy eating to ensure that nothing goes to waste. If purchasing seeds, always opt for varieties that list heat and drought tolerance as characteristics. Resistance to pests and diseases are also important qualities to look for. Tomatoes are a popular vegetable among home gardeners, but they often succumb to diseases, so ensure your varieties are resistant to common issues. Purchasing seedlings is a great way to get a jump start on the season, as it saves you four to six weeks. If you start your own seedlings, plant them now while preparing your final beds or containers. Certain crops, like tomatoes, peppers, kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, and head lettuce, are best started in seedling trays.
Watering the Garden
Be careful not to overwater by checking daily and only watering when the top inch of the soil is dry. It’s best to water earlier in the day so plants don’t experience drought stress during the hottest time. Mulching your beds goes a long way in keeping the soil moist longer and preventing weeds.
Weeding
Weed often so your plants aren’t outcompeted. Weed by hand, removing the entire plant by the roots. Avoid chemical herbicides as they negatively impact the soil’s health.
Pest and Disease Control
Pests and diseases will pose the greatest threat after harsh climatic events. Check plants often for discoloration or unusual growth. Plant a variety of vegetables, including herbs and flowers, to attract beneficial insects and naturally repel pests. Keeping insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, Bt, pyrethrin-based sprays, and neem-based spray on hand is wise, as these natural compounds effectively control pest populations.
With these tips under your belt, you’re well on your way to a successful vegetable production season. Enjoy the health-giving benefits of a beautiful garden and the satisfaction of sharing its bounty. Happy gardening!
About One Eleuthera Foundation
Founded in 2012, One Eleuthera Foundation is a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to transforming our local island communities into thriving, self-sufficient ecosystems. We do this by focusing on five key areas: economic ownership, meaningful educational advancement, pathways to wellness, and environmentally sustainable communities centered around our island’s unique cultural identity. We run a number of social enterprises, including CTI, our vocational school; the Retreat Hotel, a training hotel for hospitality students; and our farm and Cooling House, which trains future farmers in the best sustainability and food production practices. Through OEF’s consistent dedicated efforts, the tenacity and resourcefulness of our legacy community, and the support of donors and partners, we are creating change in Eleuthera.
