Need some input...

Hello again folks...

I introduced myself up above, but wanted to share my garden plan as it's my first time with SFG... I have already planted most of my first box with my early spring vege's, but need some help with the rest of box 1 and box 2. Here's an outline of both:

[img:6dc3]https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/[/img]

In the left box, from top to bottom I have snap peas that will be on a trellis, broccoli, lettuce (i only plated a row of 6 as I wasn't sure they would live), onion sets, and carrots. The bottom 4 boxes are open right now.

The right box is a rough idea of what I was thinking. Top to bottom its watermelon/vine tomato on a trellis, tomatos and beans, peppers and eggplants, lettuce and kale, then the bottom is pumpkin on the southeast end to grow over the edge and summer squash.

I've read the book, and will be looking over people's plans tonight, but would really love some help. I am open to moving all but the left box as it's already planted. (The broccoli and lettuce has survived March, and the peas and onions are starting to sprout). Please please critique and give me some insight, I really can use it!!

PS: I bought the Gurney strawberry pyramind that will be placed next to the right box in my yard, so I'm not planting any strawberries in the boxes this year.

I would rethink squash so close to what looks like pumpkin. It is very possible that the could cross-pollinate, giving you yucky squash and/or pumpkins.

curio wrote:I would rethink squash so close to what looks like pumpkin. It is very possible that the could cross-pollinate, giving you yucky squash and/or pumpkins.

Thanks!! Like I said I'm brand new and learning as I go. Perhaps I could move it to the other box and let it sprawl over the side?

I don't know exactly what type/variety of summer squash you are planning to plant. Be careful because some types of bush squash should be 1 plant per 9 squares. If planted on the side of the bed, it can sprawl over the side but I think you would still need more than 1 square. More experienced gardeners should be able to help with this but they will probably need to know what type/variety of summer squash.

I think I'd put the squash on the other end, where the peas are, peas will grow and die down. Then you can plant the squash by the trellis after the peas. I'd prob. put the green beans there too. Watermelon can sprawl next to the pumpkin. You can put all tomatoes by trelis.

What else do you like? you have room.

littlejo wrote:I think I'd put the squash on the other end, where the peas are, peas will grow and die down. Then you can plant the squash by the trellis after the peas. I'd prob. put the green beans there too. Watermelon can sprawl next to the pumpkin. You can put all tomatoes by trelis.

What else do you like? you have room.

Hmm, I didn't realize the peas will die down in time for another crop. that changes things. I like the idea of squash and beans there in the left box and love the idea of both watermelon and pumpkin sprawling. Does the melon have to have plastic under it? I thought I read having it on the ground is not the right way??? So many squares... Would putting marigolds in 1 or 2 help deter anything? I saw that on some plans.

You could put a piece of board or thick mulch under each melon or pumpkin, just something to keep them off the dirt, but I don't reccomend plastic, maybe a thick plastic like vinyl siding, just something that won't hold water.