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This plan maximizes tomatoes and potatoes as the major crops, with peppers, beans, and cucumbers also playing a significant role. Herbs and flowers are planted into the sides of the bales, and beans and squash are planted in June.
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| Garden Location:
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The Dean Field
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| Garden Size:
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92' 11" x 29' 11"
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| Garden Type:
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| Garden Layout:
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| Sun or Shade:
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| Garden Soil Type:
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-
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Preliminary tasks:
1. Move the SECOND row of the conditioned bales (after the two rows that are being conditioned for potatoes), distributing one extra bale per row to create a new configuration of six rows of seven bales each and one row of six bales.
2. Sink t-posts into the rows marked with a black bar.
3. Stretch wire to the top on every row except for the row where melons will be planted.
4. Spread potting soil in an even layer across the last bale on the end. Use about one bag of potting mix per bale.
Direct sowing into the tops of the bales involves working a small area of the bale apart with the tip of a trowel, then insert a few cubic inches of potting soil. Into the sides of the bale, drive a trowel at a downward angle with the blade facing up towards you. Leave the trowel inserted and push potting soil into the hole, then remove the trowel.
Description of rows:
Row 1: a fenced-in container of leave mold and other compost that will be planted with potatoes.
Rows 2 and 3: straw bales in rows of six into which will be planted potatoes. Cilantro and dead nettle can be planted on the tops of the bales.
Row 4: Pride of Wisconsin cantaloupe planted from seed. Salpingloss, cosmos, zinnias can be planted into the sides of these bales. Melons will be trellised about three feet high, but allowed to run into the large space to the east that is left by the missing row of bales. Pluck the flowers that grow up the trellis and allow the fruit on the ground to ripen.
Rows 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (northernmost three bales): plant tomatoes two per bale in central location. Plant basil transplants at about 6-7 plants per bale interplanted with onions from seed or onion sets. Plant sage, thyme, and marigolds into the sides of the bales either side.
Southernmost four bales of rows 5-9)
Row 5: plant around six cucumber plants into the bales, either direct sow or transplants. Plant about 3-4 inches of radishes on either side of the cucumbers. Plant the sides with nasturtiums and marigolds (direct seed or transplant).
Row 6: plant Kentucky Wonder bush beans across the tops of the bales into potting mix.
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Garden Plan
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Plant List
Planting Times
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