Garden Plans > 2014: Spring

About this Garden Plan

3,840 SF of garden space using the raised bed technique (Tucson soil "aint the best"). The last 3 years have been spent creating an ideal soil composition with the right mix of soil/minerals, organic material (composted materials including some seasoned manure), N-P-K, and just as importantly, the right pH (between 6.0 and 7.0). Getting this slightly acidic soil pH is rather costly as I need to use a lot of peat moss. I also add bone meal (also costly) to get the right amount of P(phosphorus) for healthy root growth and "fruit" production, and some 16-8-8 all purpose slow-release fertilizer. I rototill this mix into the soil in the winter, keep the soil moist to promote a breakdown of nutrients in the soil, then plant in the spring. Two other important considerations, particularly in the Tucson area, are to have even/consistent wattering (I have 16 zones on automatic watering systems) to reduce stress on the plants, and using ample compost around the plants as they grow and produce their "fruits". Even compost on the top of the soil (untilled) can provide significant benefit from nutrients and moisture retention.

Plan Type, Soil and Location

Garden Location: NW Tucson, Arizona
Garden Size: 47' 11" x 40' 1"
Garden Type: Home garden
Garden Layout: Raised Beds
Sun or Shade: Sunny
Garden Soil Type: Good soil

Plan Notes

Garden Plan

Plant List

 PlantNumberSpacingSpacing in RowsNotes
Cosmos 237"7" x 7" 
Cucumber 11' 11"1' 11" x 1' 11" 
Garlic 565"3" x 9" 
Melon
 Superstar
22' 11"2' 11" x 2' 11" 
Melon
 Papayadew
22' 11"2' 11" x 2' 11" 
Melon
 Honey Ace
22' 11"2' 11" x 2' 11" 
Onion 1175"3" x 7" 
Onion (Red) 565"3" x 7" 
Onions (Green) 613"3" x 3" 
Pepper
 Bulgarian Carrot
101' 1"11" x 1' 3" 
Pepper 191' 1"11" x 1' 3" 
Potatoes (Early)
 Yukon Gold Organic
171' 3"1' 1" x 1' 7" 
Potatoes (Early) 341' 3"1' 1" x 1' 7" 
Potatoes (Maincrop)
 German Butterball
171' 5"1' 1" x 2' 5" 
Potatoes (Maincrop)
 French Fingerling Organic
171' 5"1' 1" x 2' 5" 
Squash (Summer)
 One Ball
21' 11"1' 11" x 1' 11" 
Squash (Summer)
 Piccolo
11' 11"1' 11" x 1' 11" 
Squash (Summer)
 Sunburst
21' 11"1' 11" x 1' 11" 
Squash (Summer)
 Cube of Butter
21' 11"1' 11" x 1' 11" 
Squash (Winter)
 Delicata Organic
12' 11"2' 11" x 2' 11" 
Squash (Winter)
 Small Wonder
12' 11"2' 11" x 2' 11" 
Strawberry 491' 7"1' 5" x 1' 11" 
Tomato (Small) 101' 7"1' 5" x 1' 11" 

Planting Times

Plant List key
 PlantJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Cosmos
Cucumber
Garlic
Melon
 Superstar
Melon
 Papayadew
Melon
 Honey Ace
Onion
Onion (Red)
Onions (Green)
Pepper
 Bulgarian Carrot
Pepper
Potatoes (Early)
 Yukon Gold Organic
Potatoes (Early)
Potatoes (Maincrop)
 German Butterball
Potatoes (Maincrop)
 French Fingerling Organic
Squash (Summer)
 One Ball
Squash (Summer)
 Piccolo
Squash (Summer)
 Sunburst
Squash (Summer)
 Cube of Butter
Squash (Winter)
 Delicata Organic
Squash (Winter)
 Small Wonder
Strawberry
Tomato (Small)



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