My goal with this area of the property, near the existing cottage, was to create a classic Kitchen Garden containing the basics that are standard to Midwest vegetable gardens: tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, lettuces, carrots, garlic, and herbs. And these varietals lend themself to another future project: Provisioning. My care and efforts are buoyed by thoughts of the sauces and pickles that will come to be all throughout the mid to late summer.
A kitchen garden is a wonderful way to grow your own fresh, organic produce, and it's also a great way to save money on groceries. By growing your own vegetables and herbs, you'll have access to the freshest, most nutritious produce possible, and you'll also be able to enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you've grown it yourself.
As you plan your garden, be sure to consider the amount of sunlight and water your plants will need, as well as the soil conditions in your area. You may want to consider using raised beds or containers to help improve drainage and soil quality, and to make it easier to control weeds and pests. The containers I designed also provide perfect seating to use while weeding and harvesting. The containers allow me to more efficiently manage the soil.
When choosing your vegetable and herb varietals, look for varieties that are well-suited to your climate and growing conditions. You may also want to consider using heirloom or organic seeds to ensure the best flavor and nutrients. I prefer growing from starts instead of seeding the ground as seeding resulted in only feeding the squirrels. A fence around my garden keeps out the deer and rabbits.
