First-timers looking for suggestions

17 years ago

Hello there! My neighbor and I are first-time gardeners, with a tiny bit of experience (I helped my parents with their backyard garden growing up). We currently have radishes, onions, and some greens in the ground and have been delighted that we haven't killed them yet! We are hoping to plant a full garden this upcoming year (North Georgia). We have a bit of space - enough for 3-4 beds about 4'x6' or so, plus more if we clear out all the ivy. Here's what I was thinking:

Bed 1: lettuces, blueberries, basil

Bed 2: beets, peppers, potatoes

Bed 3: tomatoes, summer squash

Bed 4: okra

This way we'd have rotating crops throughout the different months.

What do you think? Overly ambitious? Other suggestions? What do all the experienced gardeners think is a good variety/calendar of things to grow for newbies?

Thanks y'all! Much appreciated!

-Laura

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Comments (3)

girlgroupgirl
17 years ago
Your blueberries are going to get LARGE. Eventually, only two bushes will fit in a 4x6 foot space, so that is something to think about.

Potatoes take up a lot of space.

Get rid of more ivy. Make more beds!!

Lettuce and beets are for the earliest spring - as soon as you can plant (or for now, in the fall/winter). There is so much more you can plant for summer. How about rosemary and sage, some thyme. All yummy with your garden bounty. Winter squash (like butternut which is pest resistant), radishes (spring)..
There is just so much you can plant!

GGG
galstaf
17 years ago
Hey GGG,

I looked up the GA forum at your recommendation to get some plants to swap. As I am only just finished with my yard hardscape, so have no plants to swap.
As I am on a severe budget, what do you recommend for a fellow Atlanta native with not much cash or knowledge? Are there regular swap meets to get low cost plants that can take our climate and drought? I don't mind paying, but just can't afford the nursery prices.

I do however know a lot about making fake rocks on a grand scale if that is useful to anyone.

:-)
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girlgroupgirl
17 years ago
You'll have to see if your community has a trade, or sign up for emails to all the local nurseries and get plants on sale.
Part of getting a great yard and garden is being able to plan within your budget for both hardscape and plants. It may be that you need to wait and save for your plants, if you've put your cash into your hardscape. Make a plan, decide what you need and then take a few days when there are sales (like now) and drive around to get the best prices for your plants.
Another great place is the Loganville Growers Outlet. They have a nice selection and very nice prices. Honestly, if you can't afford their shrubs (which is where I suggest you put your money first) then that is a really great sign that maybe you should just mulch and wait until you save a bit to buy the shrubbery. You will be much happier in the long run - and things will look nice and cohesive if you can get the shrubbery in.

GGG