Download - Edible Gardening
Edible Gardening
Prepared by: Stephany HoffeltJohnson County Master Gardener
4 Seasons of Edible Gardening
SpringEarly Plant cool season plants
Mid Plant warm season plants, herbs and summer/fall blooming perennials
Mulch your garden
SummerEarly Build new hardscape
Mid -2nd planting of cool season plants for fall
FallPrep your beds for next year
Repair hardscape
Plant garlic and spring blooming perennials
Mulch perennials
WinterConsider bringing your garden inside
Plan next year's garden
What are you planting?
Cool Season PlantsCan tolerate the cool weather of early spring and late fall
Asparagus, lettuce, spinach, radish, kale, chard, garlic, onion, beets, carrots, peas, broccoli, cabbage and potatoes
What are you planting?
Warm Season VegetablesRequire warmer temperatures (60-65 degrees) for seed germination and growth
Tomatoes, corn, peppers, beans, cucurbits and eggplant
What are you planting?
HerbsPlant annual herbs such as dill, basil, summer savory and coriander in garden bed
Plant perennial herbs such as mint, sage, oregano, lemon balm and chives in a spot they can grow permanently
PM 1239 Growing and Drying Herbs
What are you planting?
Edible Flowers such as yarrow, borage, roses, nasturtium, chamomile, bee balm, violets and impatiens serve multiple purposes in your garden.
What are you planting?
Brightly colored or fragrant flowers attract pollinators and predators which are beneficial to your garden
Many of these flowers can be eaten in salads, brewed in teas or used in homemade potpourri and beauty preparations
RG302 Edible Flowers RG 212 Pollinators in the Garden
What are you planting?
Fruit PlantsThrive in full-sun
Require permanent location
Often require support
What type of garden
are you planting?
1. Traditional Garden Design2. Raised Bed3. Square Foot Garden4. Container Gardening
Location
6- 8 Hours of Sun DailyCool weather plants tolerate more shade
Good Soil DrainagePerc Test
Water SupplyIs there a water source nearby?
Pick a Level AreaMinimizes soil erosion
Avoid TreesTrees compete for water and nutrients
Walnut tree roots produce juglone, which is toxic to many plants
ConvenienceTraditional kitchen gardens were outside kitchen door
PM814 Where to Put Your Vegetable Garden?
Soil Fertility
Primary Macro-NutrientsNitrogen N
Phosphorus P
PotassiumK
Secondary Macro-NutrientsCalcium
Magnesium
Sulfur
Soil Testing Test every two to three years.
Tests P, K and pH
ISU Soil Testing LabOffers testing for a nominal fee
Call your local extension office hortline for information
Soil pH
Ph - relative acidity or alkalinity of soil
Ph of soil effects plants ability to assimilate nutrients
Soil pH in Iowa is usually between 6-7
Most plants thrive at a pH level of 6.5
Maximizing Garden Space
Interplanting3 Sisters (MG 150)
Mix radish seed with carrot seed
Succession PlantingCool season plants can be replaced with warm season crops
Cool season plants can be replanted for a fall crop
Vertical SupportStakes
Trellises
Fences
Pole Tepees
Season ExtendersCold Frames
Cloches
Row Covers
Cloches
Organic Matter
SourcesCompost
Animal manure
Green manure crops
Finely ground yard waste
BenefitsIncreases water absorption
Increases soil aeration
Adds nutrients to soil
Enhances soil's beneficial micro-organism population
ChallengesDecomposing organic matter ties up nitrogen in the soil
May require added nitrogen if plant growth is slow or pale green
Planting Times
Early Cool Season PlantsDon't work soil when it is too wet
Soil should crumble apart in your hand
Warm Season PlantsPlant when it has been consistently 60-65 degrees
Fall Garden Replace plants that have stopped producing
HerbsPlant in mid-springPerennialsDivide and transplant spring bloomers in the fall
Divide and transplant summer and fall bloomers in the spring
PM 534 Planting and harvesting times for garden vegetables MG 15F
Planting Seeds
Sow in straight line furrowsSow in hills4-5 seeds in 12 inch circle
Thin to best three seedlings
Scatter seedsSquare foot gardens
Wide row plantingScatter seeds in 4 -24 inch bands
More efficient use of space, sunlight and soil nutrients
Works with carrots, beets, radish, leaf lettuce and snap beans
Seed Depth
3-4 times seed thickness
Plant fall garden seeds a bit deeper
Thick and Thin SeedingSeed thickly and then thin plants after germination
Try transplanting thinnings or eating them
PM 819 Planting a Home Vegetable Garden
Planting Transplants
Avoid damage to root systemsWhen to plant?Late afternoon
Cloudy day
Water thoroughlyMulch after transplantingCover for shade or warmth
Watering your garden.
Water in early A.M. hoursEvening watering may increase spread of foliar disease
Never water when it is over 80 degrees
Water plants deeply1-1.5 inches per week
Water plants infrequently
Mulching your Garden
BenefitsControls weeds
Controls pests and disease
Increases organic matter
Conserves moisture
Soil conservation
Types of Organic MulchGrass clipping
Straw
Pine needles
Shredded newspapers
Wood chips or shavings
Pest Management
Cultural ControlsMulching
Remove diseased leaves and plants
Hand pick pests
Attract beneficial insects
Attract birds to your yard
Botanical Insecticides
Organic Fertilizers
Fish Emulsion
Kelp Meal
Compost
Worm Castings
Composted Animal Manure
Bone Meal -Phosphate
Blood Meal -Nitrogen
MG 138-140
Harvest Time
Remember to eat your food!Pick food frequently Encourages production
You get to it first
Considering preserving your extras
PM 731 Harvesting and storing vegetables is a great resource
After the Harvest
Remove all plant materialDispose of diseased plant material
Healthy plant material can be added to compost pile
Double-dig gardens8-12 inches deep
Dig in organic matter
Dig in soil amendments indicated by soil testing
Mulch Perennial Plants
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