In this video, Farmer Jesse shares his insights on fast and slow ways to start a garden. While it’s common to think about starting a garden in the spring, Farmer Jesse believes that it’s important to consider starting one even when it’s not on top of one’s mind. He discusses the optimal methods for getting a garden started on the right foot, whether one has a few weeks or several months to spare.
The video is divided into two approaches: ideal fast ways and ideal slow ways to start a garden. Farmer Jesse acknowledges that the fast way is almost always going to come with some issues, but also recognizes that sometimes there’s a need to get a garden going quickly. In the first part of the video, he briefly talks about site evaluation, which includes access to sunlight, water, and soil preparation. He emphasizes the importance of evaluating compaction and drainage, and suggests getting a soil test to determine nutrient deficiencies and excesses.
Key Takeaways
- Farmer Jesse shares insights on fast and slow ways to start a garden, emphasizing the importance of evaluating site conditions and soil preparation.
- He suggests getting a soil test to determine nutrient deficiencies and excesses, and highlights the importance of addressing compaction and drainage issues before starting a garden.
- Farmer Jesse provides tips on optimal methods for getting a garden started on the right foot, whether one has a few weeks or several months to spare.
Site Evaluation
Sunlight Access
The site for a garden should have access to plenty of sunlight. While some shade is acceptable, especially during the summer for greens, it is best to have as much sunlight as possible on the crops. It is easier to add shade than to remove it.
Terrain Considerations
On severe slopes, it is advisable to think about terracing. In lower rainfall regions, it is possible to cut straight across the slope with garden beds to slow down rainfall and allow it to seep into the ground. In regions where rainfall can be heavy, it is best to build beds so that water can escape during big rain events.
Proximity to House
It is always better to place the garden closer to the house, even if the soil is worse there. This is because one is not likely to visit a garden further away from the house as often as one needs to.
Water Access
Water access is essential for garden life. A well, county water, or any other source of water is necessary.
Soil Compaction and Drainage
Before opening up the soil, it is essential to evaluate the compaction and drainage. Compaction is detrimental to crop production, and it is necessary to plow or commit to the broad fork for a few years to break it up.
Soil Testing
It is advisable to get a soil test from a good lab to see where one is on nutrients, organic matter, and other things. Logan Labs is an excellent choice for basic tests, but there are several other good ones as well. It is also essential to consult with an agronomist before adding a whole lot of rock minerals or anything else. If one detects a lot of compaction, it is best to address it before opening up the soil.
Fast Ways to Start a Garden
When there’s a need to get a garden started quickly, the fast way is the go-to approach. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this method could come with some issues. Here are some fast ways to start a garden:
- Use a broadfork to loosen the soil without disturbing the soil structure.
- Use a tiller to break up the soil, but be cautious as it can damage the soil structure.
- Use a sod cutter to remove the grass and create a planting bed.
- Use a sheet mulching method to create a raised bed without disturbing the soil.
It’s important to note that the fast method may not be the best approach for long-term success. Some issues that may arise include soil compaction, weed growth, and poor soil structure.
Before starting any of these methods, it’s important to evaluate the garden site. The site should have plenty of access to sunlight, with some shade being acceptable in the summer. It’s also important to have water access, as water is essential to garden life.
If you’re starting a garden quickly, it’s recommended to get a soil test from a good lab to see where you are on nutrients and organic matter. If you find that you have really low soil organic matter, consider adding a nice nutritional compost before you do any site preparation.
Overall, the fast method can be a good option when time is of the essence, but it’s important to keep in mind that it may not be the best approach for long-term success.
Slow Ways to Start a Garden
For those who have more time to start a garden, there are some optimal ways to get it started on the right foot. Farmer Jesse recommends evaluating the site first, which includes ensuring it has plenty of access to sunlight and water access. It is also important to evaluate the compaction and drainage of the soil.
To address compaction, it is recommended to either plow or commit to the broad fork for a few years to break it up. Compaction is detrimental to crop production and should not be left alone in most areas.
Before opening up the soil, it is a great time to add compost and activated biochar if that’s your thing. This may be the last chance to work in some soil goodies. Additionally, it is recommended to get a soil test from a good lab to see where you are on nutrients and organic matter.
Once you have your site figured out, it’s time to start thinking about what rock minerals, if any, to apply. It is important to consult with an agronomist before adding a whole lot of rock minerals or really much of anything.
Overall, taking the time to evaluate the site and address any soil issues before opening up the soil can lead to a successful garden in the long run.
Professional Growers Insights
Professional growers often encounter situations where they need to start a garden quickly. This can happen due to sudden demand, relocation, or other reasons. In such cases, the fast method of starting a garden is preferred, where the garden is ready to plant within a few weeks. However, it is important to note that the fast method may come with some issues.
Before starting a garden, it is recommended to evaluate the site. The site should have plenty of access to sunlight, with some shade being okay, especially in the summer for greens and such. Placing a garden closer to the house is always better, even if the soil is worse, as it is more likely to be visited frequently. Water access is also essential for garden life.
Compaction and drainage should be evaluated before opening up the soil. A soil test from a good lab can help determine the nutrient levels and organic matter in the soil. If the soil organic matter percentage is low, adding a nutritional compost before site preparation is recommended. Professional growers balance their soils under the guidance of an agronomist using rock minerals before opening up the soil. If there are deficiencies, they are addressed before opening up the soil, otherwise, they wait for a year to start thinking about what rock minerals to apply.
If compaction is detected, plowing or committing to the broad fork for a few years to break it up is recommended. Compaction is detrimental to crop production and cannot be left alone in most areas. Before opening up the soil, it is also a good time to add things like compost and activated biochar, as it may be the last chance to work in some soil goodies.
These are the insights provided by professional growers for starting a garden quickly and optimally.
Garden Site Selection
When selecting a site for a garden, it is important to consider a few key factors. First and foremost, the site should have access to plenty of sunlight. While some shade is okay, especially during the summer months, crops generally require as much sunlight as possible. If necessary, shade can be added later, but it is more difficult to remove it once it is present.
In addition to sunlight, it is also important to consider water access. Ideally, the site should have access to a well or county water, as water is essential for plant growth. If water access is not available, alternative methods such as rainwater collection may be necessary.
When evaluating a potential garden site, it is important to consider the slope of the land. In severe slopes, terracing may be necessary to prevent erosion and provide a stable growing environment. Additionally, in areas with heavy rainfall, garden beds should be built to allow water to escape during big rain events.
Placing the garden closer to the house is always better, even if the soil is not as good. This is because it is unlikely that a garden further away from the house will be visited as often as necessary.
Before opening up the soil, it is important to conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels and organic matter content. This will help determine if any nutritional compost is necessary before site preparation. If deficiencies are present, they should be addressed before opening up the soil.
If compaction is detected, plowing or committing to the broad fork for a few years may be necessary to break it up. Compaction is detrimental to crop production and should not be left alone in most areas.
Overall, selecting the right site for a garden is crucial for successful plant growth. By considering factors such as sunlight, water access, slope, and soil quality, gardeners can create a stable and productive growing environment.
Soil Preparation
Addressing Deficiencies
Before starting a garden, it is essential to have a soil test done by a reputable lab to determine the nutrient levels, pH, and organic matter. If the soil test reveals any deficiencies, it is recommended to address them before opening up the soil. For instance, if the soil has low organic matter, adding a nutritional compost can be helpful. In some regions, common deficiencies and excesses can be determined through soil tests. However, it is always recommended to consult with an agronomist before adding any rock minerals or other amendments.
Adding Nutrients
Professional growers usually balance their soils with rock minerals under the guidance of an agronomist before opening up the soil. However, if there are no grave deficiencies, it is best to wait for a year to determine what rock minerals, if any, to apply. The available nutrients, pH, and organic matter tend to change as plants and compost are added to the soil. Therefore, it is essential to consider these factors before adding any nutrients.
Dealing with Compaction
Compaction can be detrimental to crop production and must be addressed before starting a garden. If compaction is detected, plowing or committing to the broad fork for a few years can be helpful to break it up. It is not recommended to leave compaction alone in most areas, especially in denser soils. It is crucial to work in some soil goodies, such as compost and activated biochar, before opening up the soil. This may be the last chance to add these soil amendments before the garden is established.
Conclusion
In this video, Farmer Jesse discussed fast and optimal ways to start a garden. The fast way is suitable when there is a need to get the garden ready for planting within a few weeks, while the optimal way is when there is more time available. Farmer Jesse emphasized the importance of site evaluation, including access to sunlight, water, and soil quality.
He recommended getting a soil test from a good lab to evaluate the nutrients and organic matter in the soil. If the soil has low organic matter, adding nutritional compost before site preparation is necessary. Farmer Jesse also advised consulting with an agronomist before adding rock minerals or anything to the soil.
In terms of breaking new ground, he recommended either plowing or committing to the broad fork for a few years to break up compaction. He also mentioned the importance of adding compost and activated biochar before opening up the soil to work in some soil goodies.
Overall, starting a garden requires careful planning and evaluation. By following Farmer Jesse’s tips, gardeners can ensure that their garden is set up for success.