by Nancy Hreha

Created on: May 16, 2009

Garden planning in Northern NJ

Adding homegrown produce to a family meal makes it all the more special, especially for the kids. How exciting to watch the plants mature until the fruits are finally ripe for the picking. Even the pickiest eaters are more likely to try veggies they grew themselves!

Whether planting a small personal garden or an enthusiastic plot, a little planning goes a long way. Having a soil test done will be an important first step to success. You'll know exactly what you may or may not need to add to the soil for the best result.

Composting, mulch and weed control are topics for another day, but for now, let's "dig in"!

Deciding where to plant is the first step to a successful summer garden. Most veggies do well with 6 hours of sunlight. Deciding what to plant takes a little more thought. "Fresh picked" tomatoes, asparagus, sweet corn, peas and summer squash taste great and make an easy transition from garden to table. Some plants even offer ornamental beauty as well as great taste. While not every plant will thrive in Northern NJ, vegetables that do well include asparagus, snap beans, cucumbers, eggplants, peas, peppers and of course tomatoes.

Planning your garden early will extend its' pleasure and yield. Cool weather crops including cabbage, spinach, lettuce and peas can be planted early in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked and can also be grown late in the season. They will grow into the first frosts of fall and winter. Tomatoes, eggplants, peppers and melons need temperatures above a certain level day and night. Plan ahead but don't put them out before you're certain the last frost has hit (Memorial Day is a safe bet for Northern NJ).

In planning, considering the length of time to maturity for each crop you choose. This will keep your garden productive throughout the season, and help avoid an over run of crop. For example, radishes are ready to pick twenty to thirty days after the plant sprouts. On average, broccoli matures in 105 days. Early crops, such as peas, spinach or radishes can be replaced as the weather gets warmer making the most of your garden space.

The size of your garden will also help determine what you can successfully grow. Some plants like melons, cucumbers, and pumpkins spread their vines rapidly. Planting along a fence line and training the vines up instead of out, will expand your overall garden size. However, pumpkins and melons will require support as the fruit matures. Making slings for each melon or pumpkin from an old cut up sheet is a great idea, just make sure your fence can handle the weight. Jersey sweet corn also needs lots of room. Plant it in multiple rows. This allows pollination to occur.

By mid May you've probably selected your garden plot, sent out a soil sample for nutrient testing and recommendations, (The Soil Lab at Rutgers is a great resource for NJ Gardeners) and you're ready to head out to the local nursery or garden store. Local growers offer the best selections of healthy seedlings and the expert advice you need to achieve a bountiful harvest.

A family garden is a perfect summer project and a great way to save money while enjoying the very best in fresh, nutritious food and you don't need much of a green thumb to do it!

Happy growing!

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