Have to come back and edit further later...
I was talking to my mom this weekend and she was telling me how my step-dad was planting just a few tomato plants this year for their garden. That lead to the discussion of what you "have to have" in your garden. I realized growing up planting a garden every year was something I was very happy to have done as a kid. We were poor, so it was actually important, more important than I knew then, but looking back on it, it wasn't just a luxury having all of those fresh vegetables, it was a necessity.
So, when I finally find the time (more importantly gumption) to plant a garden as adult what do I want in it? I think we can do most of this in raised beds, so space doesn't seem to be an issue.
Vegetable Garden:
(2) Heirloom Tomato
(2) Cherry Tomato
(2) Cucumber
(2) Yellow Squash
(2) Zucchini
(2) Green Bell Pepper
(2) Okra
(2) Green Beans
(2) Lima Beans
(2) Green Peas
(2) Black Eyed Peas
(2) Watermelon
(2) Cantaloupe
(2) Honey Dew Melon
(6) Celery
(12) Carrots
(12) Romaine Lettuce
(12) Scallions
(12) White Onions
(12) Red Onions
(6) Yukon Gold Potatoes
(6) Red Potatoes
(24) Corn Stalks
Herb Garden:
(2) Basil
(2) Oregano
(2) Thyme
(2) Mint
(6) Garlic
Hey Jay,
I've had some cherry tomato plants on my porch for the last few weeks. They had a bit of a mold problem (destroying the leaves) but they have done fairly well. The main crop has finally turned, so they can give quite a good bit of fruit - but I've had to wait for it.
One piece of advice I would give is to phase in your garden, especially where you are doubling up on the same plants. That way the harvest is spread out over a longer period.
Cheers from Bermuda
Doug
Doug! Very good to hear from you!
We will have to see if I ever actually plant a garden. Work has been so swamped as of late that I really haven't had time. But I do feel the yearning to get back outside a bit, and certainly could stand to eat more vegetables. We'll see though.
Good advice on the staggering. We would stagger our carrots, celery, and lettuce when I was young. Of course the onions and potatoes would go in the basement and last and last and last. :) I also find myself thinking about canning if I ever grow a garden again. Of course then I think about how much a I REALLY hated that... not that I did that much, but watching my mom really didn't look like fun in any way, shape, or form. It's 95 degrees outside, standing in front of boiling water just doesn't seem like a good idea.
Anyway, very good to hear from you! Hope all is well!
jay