SOIL PREPARATION

CREATING A TEMPLATE

Creating a template using a plywood board is an easy way to ensure consistent holes in the weed barrier and proper spacing between plants. For our garden, we will be spacing plants out 10 inches apart. Using a 30-inch plywood board, the first drill point will be 5 inches from the edge with each additional hole set 10 inches apart. Continue drilling holes using a 2.5-inch drill bit until you have reached the desired amount. The work we put in on making our burn board saves us time and back pain when it comes to planting our plants.

1.WATER DRAINAGE

The first thing we need to address is the drainage system in the garden. My garden is not graded to prevent standing water; so, trenches need to be dug to direct water out of the garden. When draining your garden, it is important to have the water drain out slowly to prevent removing any valuable topsoil from your garden. A minimum of four primary drain trenches will keep water moving out of the garden all season. You can utilize the water draining from the garden for another area where you may need it. In my case, I am directing the water to the trees I recently planted right outside my garden. Doing so will allow the trees to absorb any excess water that may accumulate and further prevent standing water.

BURNING HOLES

For tomatoes the holes need to be about 18-24 inches apart. The fastest way to do this is to simply set the tape measure to the desires length and burn the holes in the weed barrier as needed while working your way down the row. The reason we burn our holes into the weed barrier instead of cutting them, is to ensure we keep the integrity of the material. Once the tomato beds are ready, we will want to prepare our interplanting rows. To prepare those interplanting rows we will use the template created earlier, which allows us to have consistent and organized rows. After placing the template on the row, set the torch the lowest setting and burn each hole in the plywood board. This should create perfect circles spaced as needed. Once all of the holes in the weed barrier have been burned, planting can begin.

2.SOIL TESTING

Soil testing is an important and often overlooked step in prepping your garden for planting. Soil testing should be done at the start of the season before putting any plants in the ground. Getting your soil tested is a simple process; kits are available in many garden centers and home improvement stores. After collecting your sample, simply follow the instructions on your at-home soil testing kit or take it to a local facility for testing. I am using the local university for a more in-depth analysis. The university will be able to suggest any beneficial additives to ensure optimal growth and production this season.

3.MAPPING ROWS

Planning the garden ensures you will get the most out of the space you have, whether that be a large area or a small raised garden bed. In my case, I have gone with 30-inch rows and 18-inch walkways which is standard for most market gardens. The wide rows will allow for interplanting while the walkways will provide plenty of space for walking. To map the rows and walk ways simply measure out the spacing and mark each row with a stake. After staking all rows, tie string to the corresponding stake on either end. Doing so will allow you to easily identify the areas of your garden and make the next steps; tilling and laying weed barrier easier.

MEET ANDREW BOUCHER

Building a farm was something I never thought I would be doing. I've been an artist and programmer most of my life and lived a very indoor life. In 2020 was given the opportunity of a lifetime to revitalize a dormant farm and decided to take on the challenge. I dove into learning everything I could from anywhere I could about farm life. Ultimately, my family and I decided we wanted to pursue farming practices that brought life back to the land. We utilize a no-till garden method, rotational grazing, as well as regenerative agriculture practices. Follow along with us as we create this year’s garden!

BASICS OF PLANTING

BASICS OF PLANTING

LET'S GET TO PLANTING

When it comes to planting, the deeper the better. Planting deep allows to the plant to form a stronger root system. Digging at an angle can give an opportunity to lay more dirt on top on the stem without having to dig quite as deep. Once the plant in placed into its hole, replace the dirt on top to help keep your plant stable. Adding a trellis system to plants such as tomatoes will help to keep your plant supported and lead to optimal growth.

SOIL PREPARATION

1.WATER DRAINAGE

The first thing we need to address is the drainage system in the garden. My garden is not graded to prevent standing water; so, trenches need to be dug to direct water out of the garden. When draining your garden, it is important to have the water drain out slowly to prevent removing any valuable topsoil from your garden. A minimum of four primary drain trenches will keep water moving out of the garden all season. You can utilize the water draining from the garden for another area where you may need it. In my case, I am directing the water to the trees I recently planted right outside my garden. Doing so will allow the trees to absorb any excess water that may accumulate and further prevent standing water.

2.SOIL TESTING

Soil testing is an important and often overlooked step in prepping your garden for planting. Soil testing should be done at the start of the season before putting any plants in the ground. Getting your soil tested is a simple process; kits are available in many garden centers and home improvement stores. After collecting your sample, simply follow the instructions on your at-home soil testing kit or take it to a local facility for testing. I am using the local university for a more in-depth analysis. The university will be able to suggest any beneficial additives to ensure optimal growth and production this season.

3.MAPPING ROWS

Planning the garden ensures you will get the most out of the space you have, whether that be a large area or a small raised garden bed. In my case, I have gone with 30-inch rows and 18-inch walkways which is standard for most market gardens. The wide rows will allow for interplanting while the walkways will provide plenty of space for walking. To map the rows and walk ways simply measure out the spacing and mark each row with a stake. After staking all rows, tie string to the corresponding stake on either end. Doing so will allow you to easily identify the areas of your garden and make the next steps; tilling and laying weed barrier easier.

LET'S GET TO PLANTING

When it comes to planting, the deeper the better. Planting deep allows to the plant to form a stronger root system. Digging at an angle can give an opportunity to lay more dirt on top on the stem without having to dig quite as deep. Once the plant in placed into its hole, replace the dirt on top to help keep your plant stable. Adding a trellis system to plants such as tomatoes will help to keep your plant supported and lead to optimal growth.

MEET ANDREW BOUCHER

Building a farm was something I never thought I would be doing. I've been an artist and programmer most of my life and lived a very indoor life. In 2020 was given the opportunity of a lifetime to revitalize a dormant farm and decided to take on the challenge. I dove into learning everything I could from anywhere I could about farm life. Ultimately, my family and I decided we wanted to pursue farming practices that brought life back to the land. We utilize a no-till garden method, rotational grazing, as well as regenerative agriculture practices. Follow along with us as we create this year’s garden!

MEET ANDREW BOUCHER

Building a farm was something I never thought I would be doing. I've been an artist and programmer most of my life and lived a very indoor life.

In 2020 was given the opportunity of a lifetime to revitalize a dormant farm and decided to take on the challenge. I dove into learning everything I could from anywhere I could about farm life.

Ultimately, my family and I decided we wanted to pursue farming practices that brought life back to the land. We utilize a no-till garden method, rotational grazing, as well as regenerative agriculture practices. Follow along with us as we create this year’s garden!

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