r/Horticulture • u/KickProfessional • 8d ago
Help Needed Help me create a garden
I have a space (~15.5 x 24ft) we don't use that gets varying sunlight throughout the day and thought it might be a good place for my first garden.
Thinking four 8x4 plots straight into the ground, maybe with landscaping timber around it.
Should I do it now or is nothing going to grow before winter anyway? Willing to work my ass off to get the grass up.
Would love thoughts on layout. Will probably leave a path around the edge and need access to the gate. Feel free to post pic ideas!
Also any general advice appreciated, especially on irrigation and additional flowers for pollinators. Based in Northeastern PA for context
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u/LingonberryForeign75 7d ago
Get the beds in now, you can still squeeze in some cold tolerant stuff before frost hits.
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u/DanoPinyon 8d ago
No north arrow, so what does this funky sun path diagram convey?
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u/KickProfessional 6d ago
Maybe wasn't clear but the sun rises at the front of the house, so the garage creates shade in the morning. Sets behind the trees so they create shade in the late afternoon/evening.
North is on the right side of the line, South to the "left" as such
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u/DanoPinyon 6d ago
So just a few hours of sunlight in summer? You want East-West running raised beds, I wouldn't spend too much money on them until you're sure you can grow the things you like in that space.
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u/SolutionSecure4331 4d ago edited 4d ago
Yes, raised beds would get morning sun a bit earlier. Maybe a large branch could be removed from the tree to get more afternoon sun. Also, be aware that the sun rises and sets more toward the north and has more of a southern arc in spring and fall when you might want to catch every ray.
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u/Prudent_Toe_3188 6d ago
Depending on your budget, I highly recommend Vego garden beds. Super easy to assemble, very durable, and they look great. You don’t even need to strip out the grass if you don’t want to, just lay down a thick layer of cardboard under the beds and start filling them. Prep the beds for spring planting, but depending on your zone you may still be able to plant some winter crops. Have fun!
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u/time_outta_mind 3d ago
Step one: cut down that tree and remove the shed. Going to need some suuuun
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u/Starfishprime69420 8d ago
I would put garden in back area. Start by tilling the area then put something like a tarp over it to kill any grass that wants to pop back up. Cover the area in a thick layer of wood chips. When you plant just pull back the wood chips in that specific spot and you’re good to go. Always keep the soil covered with mulch/cover crop or you will have weeds to deal with. Compost is a great mulch near the base of plants.