Page 42 - AreaNewsletters "Oct2022" issue

New to Gardening? Plan on Homegrown
Veggies Next Year!
Fall is the perfect time to start planning of garden of your own, so you can hit the ground running next year.
The basic questions below will help guide you on your journey.
Have you ever
looked at your neighbor’s vegetable garden with envy or drooled over the freshly-picked tomatoes and corn at your local farmer’s market? Growing your own vegetables can be very satisfying and rewarding.
It may seem daunting to a beginner, but it’s really fairly simple.
Where is the best location?
Select an area that will get at least 6 hours of full sun, which most vegetables and herbs require. Make sure you have a way to get water to your garden - a hose or watering can, soaker hose, drip irrigation, or a yard sprinkler nearby.
What type of garden do I want?
A traditional in-the-ground garden bed can be made by removing some grass and tilling up a de ned
area. This is something you can do now before the ground freezes. A raised bed allows for easier access and less soil compaction. If your space is more limited, consider using plant pots on your patio or deck.
Is my soil healthy enough?
For in-ground and raised gardens, have your soil tested
rst to see if it is lacking nutrients or needs amendments. A soil lab will need about 2 cups of dry soil. Fill a plastic bag or container with your soil and send in your sample to CSU (agsci.colostate.edu/soiltestinglab) or another lab for testing.
October 2022 • Castle Rock “AreaNewsletters” 42
H O ME & G A R D E N