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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