There are two basic rules when arranging plants in the beds: 1) space the individual plants so that they touch each other when they reach their mature size, and 2) overlap the masses of plants and connect them so that they flow without space between them. Avoid gaps or large open areas between masses.
Arrange the tallest plants in the back, the medium-sized plants in the center and the lowest growing plants in the front to create a foreground, middle-ground and a background in your garden.
When layering your garden bed, plant tall, full shrubs in the back row. Medium-sized perennials belong in the middle row. Finish it off with a low-growing mix of colorful annuals and perennials in the front row. A nicely layered garden bed ensures maximum visual appeal once all the plants mature.
To get the maximum yields from each bed, pay attention to how you arrange your plants. Avoid planting in square patterns or rows. Instead, stagger the plants by planting in triangles. By doing so, you can fit 10 to 14% more plants in each bed.
So design the layout of plants with the tallest ones, such as corn or okra, to grow along the center line of the raised bed. Plant medium-height plants, such as peppers, on either side. Finally, locate the shortest plants, such as radishes and carrots along the edges of the bed.
Vegetable | Companion Plant |
---|---|
Cabbage Family (cabbage, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts) | Beets, celery, dill, Swiss chard, lettuce, spinach, onions, potatoes |
Carrots | Beans, tomatoes |
Celery | Beans, tomatoes, cabbages |
Corn | Cucumber, melons, squash, peas, beans, pumpkin |
Type of Vegetable | Friends |
---|---|
Cabbage | Beets, celery, chard, lettuce, spinach, onions |
Carrots | Beans, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, tomatoes |
Corn | Climbing beans, cucumber, marjoram, peas, pumpkins, squash, sunflowers, zucchini |
Onions | Cabbage, carrots, chard, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes |
Before you start digging, arrange the potted plants on the bed so that you can get a general idea of what the garden will look like. Remember to leave space between the plants to allow them to grow wider. Plant from the back of the bed to the front. Set shrubs and perennials at the same depth as they are in containers.
Use a variety of plants to create contrast
But a little goes a long way, so use sparingly or the planting will look over-stimulating. With standard-sized borders (1.5-2m wide) one focal point plant every four to six metres should be enough.
To provide screening, a hedge is a better solution. One of the fastest-growing screening plants is bamboo. You can choose a variety that grows to your exact desired height, and small plants purchased from nurseries can provide screening in as little as six months, growing to full height in about two years.
So, should you line a raised garden bed? Yes, you should line your raised garden bed, since the pros of doing so outweigh the cons. A liner for your raised garden bed can insulate the soil against extreme temperatures, keep moles and gophers out, and prevent weeds from growing.
The ideal spacing between the rows in your garden provides ample room for your plants to grow and for you to work in. In most cases it is a good idea to leave at least 18 to 36 inches of space between each row of plants.
If you have the space for it, row gardening allows you to plant more and harvest more vegetables. Squares are limited because if they are too big, you can’t reach the plants in the middle. You are also limited in the amount of plants/veggies you can grow in the given space. Get good weed cover with wide rows.
Yes, you can grow tomatoes and peppers together – although it’s important to bear in mind that growing plant members of the Nightshade or Solacaceae families together can increase the risk that disease will spread amongst them, especially if they are grown in the same bed after each other.
Cucumbers’ and Tomatoes’ Shared Diseases
Phytophthora blight and root rot are more serious issues as these disease pathogens can ravage both cucumbers and tomatoes. Plants can be treated with commercial fungicides as a preventive measure, but it’s better to just use good cultivation practices.
Even with the challenges of cool-climate gardening, tomatoes and cucumbers grow well as companions, along with beans, peas and nasturtiums. … Cover tomato seeds with 1/4 inch of potting mix and cucumber seeds with 1 inch of mix.
Legumes. From sugar snap peas to green beans, legumes are a great choice to grow with cucumbers because they provide much-needed nitrogen in the soil. Marigolds. Marigolds are one of the most popular companion plants because they repel a wide variety of pests, including aphids—a common pest on cucumber leaves.
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