This crazy, tentative list is my basic plan for how to tackle the garden this year. It is much better than last year’s plan because of the simple fact that there was no plan last year. At all. I went to the greenhouse, picked out some things that looked nice, and stuck them in the ground. This year, however, there will be order! Or at least as much order as you can ever expect from me. Below is a list of plants and a number. This number either refers to a) the number of that type of plant I wish to have or b) the number of containers I wish to have filled with them. Keep in mind before you judge me that the goal here is to begin self-sufficiency over the next year. While it might sound like a lot for a backyard garden, it should, ideally, provide for three people for 365 days.
Tomatoes – 15a
Corn – 100a
Straight-neck yellow squash – 8a
Okra – 20a
Green beans – 20a
Zucchini – 4a
Potatoes – 10b
Onions – 10b
Garlic – 5b
Bell peppers – 6a
Pumpkins – 4b
Watermelon – 4b
Blueberries – 2a
Strawberries – 2 bundles, as they are sold
Pinto beans – 20a
Asparagus – 10a
Peppermint – 1b
Spearmint – 1b
Spinach – 10a
Cucumber – 2a
Basil – 1a
Chives – 1a
Dill – 1a
Oregano – 1a
Parsley – 1a
Thyme – 1a
Aloe – 1a
As you can see, there is a lot of work to be done before I even begin to plant. I would like to think that I can handle this vast and lengthy list of plants with only my minimal experience and yet-to-have-purchased almanac to guide me. This list is not really going to be part of the ledger I hope to keep of garden production. Some things may not make it into fruition and other things may be added to the list later on. Rest assured, photographic evidence of this mammoth undertaking will arise as soon as I have something to show for myself. Truth be told, I will be proud of myself if I even get to do half of this stuff, as it will still be an improvement over last year’s garden. If anyone out there has any suggestions regarding any of the aforementioned plants, I am all ears!
Until then,
Claire
Perceiving a Life 