Chute n The Bull

Design your garden to meet your needs.

Careful planning reduces work and can make the garden more productive.
Planting seeds and plants at random frequently results in waste and
disappointment. Consider the selected method of cultivation in
designing your garden. Where the work is done with a tractor, long rows
are practical; but when cultivation is by hand, short rows give a sense
of accomplishment as work on each is completed. Consider the slope of
the land; run rows at right angles to the slope, especially on
sandy-textured soils that tend to wash and erode. Where the land is
uneven, contour the rows. Rows for vegetables with small plants
(carrots, onions, radishes, and others) can be closer together for hand
cultivation than for power equipment. Planting double rows or a broad
band on a bed can increase the yield from a small garden plot. Closely
spaced rows and vegetable plants help shade out weeds, but the close
spacing makes weeding difficult when plants are small. Closely spaced
plants reduce water loss from the soil surface by protecting the surface
from drying winds and hot sun. The reduced air movement, however, may
increase chances for diseases. Plant perennial vegetables like asparagus
where they won’t interfere with yearly land preparation. Plant
season-long vegetables like tomatoes, okra, peppers, and eggplant
together where they won’t interfere with short-term vegetables and
replanting. Plant corn, okra, pole beans, tomatoes, and other tall
vegetables so they won’t shade or interfere with the growth of shorter
vegetables. Sweet corn produces fuller ears when planted in a block of
rows than in a long single row because of better pollination. When
possible, group vegetables according to their lime and fertilizer needs,
and treat accordingly. southern peas, lima beans, snap beans, and
peanuts do not require as much nitrogen fertilizer as some other
vegetables.You can find this and past articles on the web at
www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of
all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion,
disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas
Cooperating.

Tommy Neyland, CEA-Ag
Texas Agrilife Extension Service