kitchen garden

C.2022

My goal for this area of the property, just beyond the cottage, was to create a classic kitchen garden—one rooted in the staples of a Midwestern vegetable patch. Tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, lettuces, carrots, garlic, and herbs fill the beds, chosen not only for their familiarity but for what they make possible. These plantings naturally lend themselves to future provisioning, and my care is buoyed by thoughts of sauces, pickles, and preserved harvests that will take shape throughout the mid to late summer.

A kitchen garden is an invitation to slow down and grow food with intention. It offers fresh, organic produce at its peak, along with the quiet satisfaction of tending something by hand and bringing it from soil to table.

When planning a garden, it helps to pay attention to sunlight, water, and the character of the soil beneath your feet. Raised beds or containers can improve drainage, enrich soil, and make tending easier while keeping weeds and pests in check. The containers I designed also double as seating, offering a comfortable place to pause while weeding or harvesting, and allowing the soil to be managed with greater care and intention.

When selecting your vegetable and herb varieties, choose ones that thrive in your climate and soil. I also like to use heirloom or organic seeds, as they offer richer flavor and nutrients. For me, starting with young plants—rather than seeding—worked better, since the squirrels had a field day with seeds. A fence around the garden keeps deer and rabbits at bay, letting the garden flourish.

Building a Raised Bed Garden

LOCATION

Placing the garden in a spot that gets full sun is key. We chose to level the area where our raised beds would sit, giving the garden a clean, organized look and a solid foundation for growth.

CONSTRUCTING RAISED BEDS

The raised beds were built using treated lumber, lined carefully to prevent any chemicals from leaching into the soil. We filled them with high-quality topsoil, enriched with manure, to give the plants the best possible start, ensuring healthy, nutrient-rich growth.

details

Because of a high deer population, we built an 8-foot fence to keep them out and protect the harvest. We also added gravel to minimize weeds and create a flat surface, making it easier to move tools and equipment around.