From
Avery Ranch to
Davenport, the latest trend in sustainable, eco-friendly green living in Austin, Texas is building an edible garden! Raised garden beds are not only simple and practical to build, but provide home and condo owners alike the unique opportunity to garden year-round, even without a lawn or a yard. A raised garden can be constructed on top of existing terrain, or directly on top of concrete, brick or other surfaces.
Directions
1. Select and purchase plenty of high-quality gardening soil as well as pre-fabricated raised garden starter materials. (Check out the nearest local gardening store or Home Depot for everything from basic, to net-covered, even multi-tiered options! Prices generally range from thirty dollars to five hundred, depending on size, materials and complexity.) You can also build your raised garden walls yourself using plywood, bricks or other sturdy materials.
2. Select a site with fairly level terrain, good drainage, and lots of sunlight (at least 6 hours or more,) and face the bed south.
3. Set up the garden wall sections according to included instructions. Add soil (fill up to one inch from the top of the walls of your raised bed).
4. Decide what to plant based on the planting season: spring, summer, fall or winter. (You may want to consider companion planting when choosing plants. This method provides natural pest control and supports plant health.)
5. Purchase and plant seeds or seedlings (soak seeds for half an hour before planting and plant at 2 to 4 times the depth of their width). If you plan to grow climbing vegetables, consider purchasing or building a trellis. If your property has small or large animals, consider purchasing netting or fencing materials.
6. For good root growth, deeper, less frequent watering provides the best results. Water the garden thoroughly at the base of each plant every 2-3 days. It is best to water in the morning. Rainwater from a rain barrel is best.
7. When you water, check for damage to plant leaves or strange insects. If pests are found, it is best to use organic methods such as seaweed spray, instead of harsh chemicals. Prevention is also key, and includes companion planting and maintaining healthy soil.
8. Don’t forget to aerate or cultivate your soil. Roots don’t like compacted soil—they need air to grow. Once a week, use a fork or other cultivator to loosen soil.
9. After a plant is harvested or no longer producing, remove the plant and any remaining debris such as leaves or roots. Add a trowel of compost to the area to replenish nutrients, turning the soil. Now you are ready to plant your next crop!
Happy Edible Gardening!
The
Austin REALTORS® at Regent Property Group support eco-friendly and sustainable living. They also help homebuyers stay on top of the Austin real estate market. On the lookout for a
Luxury Home? Check out
Austin Home Search!
Click here to read gardening To-do’s for July.
Click here to learn how to compost!
