By Natalia MarĂn Svea Lelleck
Introduction Companion planting Seed collection Soil Soil management crop rotation Monocultures Mulch Compost Watering Harvesting
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INTRODUCTION Why is it important to grow your own food? Much of the food we eat has travelled hundreds, even thousands, of kilometers to reach us. The carbon emissions from the transport and refrigerated storage are a significant contributor to climate change. Growing your own food is good for you and great for the planet - and it will allow you to save and maybe even make some money! Starting a personal or community home garden is a simple and eective way to reduce your impact on the environment. It will also give you the immense pleasure that comes from growing your own vegetables. Additionally, you will enjoy the taste of pesticide-free, fresh and nutritious food.
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COMPANION PLANTING In natural ecosystems, plants perform functions that can either help or prevent other plants from growing. The same is true in our gardens. This chart will help you understand which plants grow well together and which should be planted far apart.
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PLANT
GOOD COMPANIONS BAD COMPANIONS
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SEED COLLECTION Importance of collecting seeds Plants use seeds to reproduce. There are many benefits of harvesting and collecting seeds:
You can: Decide where the seedlings will grow in your garden Plant seeds at the time you want and you can become independent from industrial seed production Save money in the process by using your own instead of buying each time Have a food production free of chemicals When you buy seeds for the first time, carefully check that they are not “hybrid” as you can’t harvest seeds of these plants.
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How to collect seeds: Plants produce different-looking seeds that are found in various parts of the plant. Thus, the harvesting depends on the plant. Overall, you can divide it into different groups: Beans and peas need to dry before being picked. The parts which we eat (inside the skin) are the seeds: they are ready to be set into the ground again. The seeds of fruits, like tomato and eggplant, need to be taken out of the ripe fruit and dried before storage Flower seeds have to be harvested after they blossom, when they are dry and before they get blown away by the wind. There are exceptions: some plants are not likely to bear seeds (e.g. beetroot and chives) and others are transplanted rather than seeded (e.g. potatoes and mint). - Greens, like Pak Choy and lettuce, and other plants, like radish, produce seeds in a similar way. When you leave these plants in the ground they start to flower and
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begin to form small, long seedpods that look a bit like small beans. When these pods are dry (they will be light brown) they are ready to be picked (you can take the small black seeds out)
How to preserve seeds: Beans and peas need to dry before being picked. The parts which we eat (inside the skin) are the seeds: they are ready to be set into the ground again. The seeds of fruits, like tomato and eggplant, need to be taken out of the ripe fruit and dried before storage Flower seeds have to be harvested after they blossom, when they are dry and before they get blown away by the wind.
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SOIL What is soil? A complex system consisting of disintegrated rock, organic matter, water, gases, nutrients, microorganisms and organisms (e.g. worms and insects). A renewable resource that can be depleted if abused.
Characteristics of good soil Adequate soil structure Good porosity Water and air circulation Biological activity High retention of water and nutrients Resilient: withstands rains, desert-drying, animal traffic and deep freezes
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SOIL MANAGEMENT CROP ROTATION: Why is it important?
Increases ability to store carbon Improvement of soil quality and fertility,environment resilience and farm profitability.Reduces the need for tillage.
Against soil erosion Improves soil stability by alternating betweencrops with deep and shallow roots. Enhanceswater infiltration and minimises surface run-off.
Fields’ fallow periods shorten Increases productivity by replacing fallowperiods and by growing different crops thatreplenish soil nutrients.
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Better soil structure The diversity in the root structure willenhance the chemical, physical and biological structure of the soil.
Minimises greenhouse gas emissions Reduces the use of chemical fertilisers and the emissions associated with their manufacture and transportation.
Treats water pollution Brings down the use of pesticides as well as the water runoff into the ground.
Automatic pest control Takes away the host organisms and causes a disruption in the annual life cycle of insects, diseases and weeds.
Nitrogen management Increases the quantity of nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for nitrogen fertilisers.
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Principles 1
Avoid disease-prone families in the same spot for 3-4 years (e.g. Brassicas, Liliaceae and Solanaceae).
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Heavy feeders should be followed by light feeders.
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Use cover and catch crops between rotations.
Tomato Cucumber Pepper Eggplant Squash
Fruit
Leaf
Legume
Root
Beans Peas Peanuts
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Lettuce Kale Herbs Spinach Broccoli
Onion Garlic Carrot Beetroot Radish
MONOCULTURES Effects Eliminates biological control (plants help each other). Leaves soil weak and unable to support healthy plant growth. Biologically unstable: more effort is needed to maintain the crops. Uses chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Promotes the spread of pests and diseases. Requires huge amounts of water for irrigation. Uses chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
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MULCH Mulch is any organic material that is spread or laid over the surface of the soil to cover it. It is used to retain moisture in the soil, reduce soil compaction and splash (which means cleaner vegetables and less spread of diseases), suppress weeds, keep the soil cool, improve the soil’s fertility and make the garden beds look more attractive.
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How to Mulch?
Cut the mulch into small pieces Spread it on the bed Create a 10 cm (4 inches) tall layer
What to AVOID? Make sure you do not cover plants Do not use mango leaves (they can be poisonous) nor elephant grass, water grass.
Types of mulch Cut leaves (e.g. gliricidia and banana leaves) Grass (e.g. vetiver and lemon grass) Cardboard Straw
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COMPOST What is Compost? Organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertiliser and soil amendment. Compost is a key ingredient in organic farming.
Benefits Balanced fertiliser. Improves soil structure Helps return organic material to the soil. Supports living soil organisms. Provides biological control.
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How to make Compost? 1
Add brown and green material in alternate layers Layers, from the bottom:
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Green (fresh leaves and weeds) Brown (dead leaves and branches) Manure Cardboard and paper Kitchen Waste
Watering Once a week. Test to see if the right humidity is reached: grab a handful from the core in any pile and squeeze. If water almost starts forming drops, there is too much of it.
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Turning Once a week. It helps speed up the composting process and provides aeration (minimising bad odours)
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Pile gets warm That means it is working. Now you just have to wait.
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Use it! When material is dark with no remnants, your compost is ready. Add it around your plants, where the roots are.
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What to AVOID? Bones and meat. Fats and oils Waste from dogs and cats Plants treated with chemicals Plants with diseases
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Manure Sprinkle manure directly over the hole bed every 3-4 weeks. It adds a lot of nutrients into the soil (such as nitrogen and phosphorous).
Advices Small pieces break down faster. Add compost or soil to the new pile to provide extra bacteria. Keep 1 meter high and wide. Remove the big logs from if they are still hard. Always keep the cone shape with the top taken off.
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WATERING 1
Consider your soil: Sandy soil holds less water than heavier clay soil. Therefore, it dries out faster while the clay soil holds moisture longer. Always add mulch to the garden beds to reduce the watering needs.
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Weather conditions determine when to water garden plants: If it is hot and dry, for example, you will have to water more often. In rainy conditions little watering is needed.
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How your soil acts in both wet and dry periods? If you noticed that‌ For several hours or even days after heavy rains your yard is still wet, even flooded, you may have an issue with clay soil. After prolonged periods of dry weather the ground in your yard tends to crack, this implies that the soil in your garden might have a high clay content.
How to know the type of soil ? The easiest and most low technology test is to take a handful of damp soil (it is best to do this a day or so after it has rained or you have watered the area) and squeeze it in your hand. If the soil falls apart when you open your hand, you have sandy soil and clay is not the issue. If the soil stays clumped together and then falls apart when you touch it, your soil is in good condition. If the soil stays clumped and does not fall apart when prodded, you have clay soil.
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HARVESTING
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Brassicaceae Family: Radish Growing characteristics Require well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Time of Harvesting Ready to be harvested quite rapidly, as soon as three weeks after planting for some varieties. Do not leave in the ground long after their mature stage; their condition will deteriorate quickly.
Arugula Growing characteristics Water arugula often enough to keep the soil moist Water slowly and long enough to make sure that
the root zone is completely saturated.
Time of Harvesting Monitor the arugula closely from about five weeks
after planting. Arugula grows and goes to seed very quickly.
Measure leaf height frequently, and harvest young leaves for a mild flavour when the leaves are about 3 inches tall.
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Chinese Cabbage Growing characteristics Plant 12-18 inches apart. If planted in wet weather, elevate the soil prior to
planting. The soil should be moist, not wet. Keep plant well weeded during early growth.
Time of Harvesting Chinese Cabbage matures faster than regular
cabbage and may take as littleas 60 to 65 days from seeding to harvest plant. Wait for the heads to become compact and firm. This is an indication that the vegetable is ready to be harvested. Use a pair of pruning scissors or garden clippers to cut the plant. Make sure to go as close to the ground as possible, and cut the entire plant.
Kale Growing characteristics
Keep soil moist with mulch and water 2' per week.
Time of Harvesting Ready to be harvested when the leaves are about
the size of your hand. Pick about one fistful of leaves per harvest. Avoid
picking the terminal bud (found at the top centre of theplant) because this will help to keep the plant productive. Leave 6-8 leaves in the plant.
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Bok Choy Growing characteristics Requires nutrient rich, well drained soil. The thick
stems are juicy and sweet, and need plenty of water to grow.
Time of Harvesting Ready to be harvested as soon as it has usable
leaves. The small varieties mature at a height of 6 inches and the larger types grow 2 feet tall. They are ready in about 6 weeks. You can cut a few leaves at a time or harvest the entire crop
Broccoli Growing characteristics Provide consistent soil moisture with regular
watering, specially in drought conditions Some varieties of broccoli are heat tolerant, but all
need moisture.
Time of Harvesting Harvest when the head buds are firmand tight, and
before the heads flower. If you see yellow petals, harvest immediately. Cut heads from the plant, taking at least 6 inches of stem.
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Lamiaceae Family: Basil Growing characteristics Make sure that the soil is moist. Add mulch around the plants.
Time of Harvesting Start picking the leaves as soon as they are 6 to 8
inches tall. Pick the leaves regularly toencourage growth.
Oregano Growing characteristics
No need for as much water as most herbs. As the amount of watering depends on many variables, just water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Allow oregano to grow to about 4 inches tall and then pinch or trim lightly to encourage a denser and bushier plant.
Time of Harvesting Harvest the leaves as you need them.
The most flavour-filled leaves are found right before the flowers bloom.
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Mint Growing characteristics Minimal care is needed for mint.For outdoor plants,
add a light mulch. This will help keep the soil moist and keep the leaves clean
Time of Harvesting Frequent harvesting is the key to keeping mint
plants at their best. Young leaves have more flavour than old ones, and
mint can be harvested as soon as it comes up.
Solanaceae Family: Tomato Growing characteristics Full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seedlings two feet apart. Needs a lot of water.
Time of Harvesting Leave on the vine as long as possible until they are
ripe (they have turned red). Start picking about 60-85 days after planting the seedlings.
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Sweet Pepper Growing characteristics Soil should be well drained, but be sure to maintain
adequate moisture with mulch.
Time of Harvesting Most varieties mature within 60-90 days. Harvesting requires some finesse, as the delicate
branches will break if you tug at them. Use hand pruners, scissors or a sharp knife to remove the pepper from the plant.
Eggplant Growing characteristics Eggplant will fall over once loaded with fruit. Be
sure to stake plants 24 inches tall or use a cageto keep the plants upright.
Time of Harvesting Harvest 16 to 24 weeks after sowing, when the skin
of the fruit is shiny. Do not wait too long to harvest! As soon as the skin
does not rebound to gentle pressure from your finger, it is ripe. Do not pull the fruit (as it will not come off). Cut the fruit with a sharp knife or pruning shears close to the stem, leaving about an inch of it attached.
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Asteraceae Family: Lettuce Growing characteristics Require well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Time of Harvesting Once leaves begin to appear and they are about 4 inches long, you can begin to harvest leaf lettuce. You can grab a bunch of them and cut them with scissors an inch above the crown of the plant. Leave the roots for organic matter.
Endive Growing characteristics Plant 4-5 inches apart. Full sun is ideal for growth.
Time of Harvesting Ready in about six weeks. For harvesting , take individual leaves or an entire
plant when needed . Leave the roots in the soil.
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Marigold Growing characteristics Thrive in full sunshine and can often withstand
very hot summers. Plant them 8 - 12 inches apart .
Time of Harvesting Sprout within days in warm weather and plants
bloom in about 8 weeks.
Apiaceae Family: Carrot Growing characteristics Make sure that the soil is moist. Add mulch around the plants.
Time of Harvesting Start picking the leaves as soon as they are 6 to 8
inches tall.
Pick the leaves regularly toencourage growth.
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Celery Growing characteristics This plant requires partial sun and a lot of
moisture. When planting add plenty of water and compost to retain the moisture. Plant them 10 - 12 inches apart .
Time of Harvesting Harvest after it has been planted forthree to five
months. Should begin when the lower stalks are at least 6 inches long, from ground level to the first node.
Dill Growing characteristics Tolerates partial shade; in light shade the plants
won't get as bushy as in full sun, so they can be closer together. Plant 12-15 inches apart Dill attracts beneficial insects such as wasps and other predatory insects.
Time of Harvesting Time from planting to harvest is 70 days (also for
foliage). Remove the leaves. Dill flavor is best when it just begins to flower.
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Parsley Growing characteristics It thrives in areas with 6 to 8 hours of sun, although
it will tolerate light shade. 12 to 18 inches apart. Keep the plants moist.
Time of Harvesting Most parsley plant will be ready to harvest from 70
to 90 days after you initially plant them Cut at the base of the plant to produce even more stems.
Cilantro Growing characteristics It is best to choose a sunny site that will allow
cilantro to self-seed as it ought to do.
Time of Harvesting Until the plants have reached a height of at least 6
inches. It is important not to pick too many stems at a time. This will waeken the plant. Coriander seeds are harvested near the end of the plant’s life cycle. They are used like a spice.
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Chenopodiaceae Family: Beetroot Growing characteristics Do not let greens grow above 6 inches before
harvesting Mulch and water well. Beets need to have plenty of moisture.
Time of Harvesting Most varieties maturein 50 to 70 days, although
they can be harvested at any time. Pick the leaves regularly toencourage growth.
Spinach Growing characteristics Full sun is ideal but can tolerate a moderate amount of shade. It is a cool season crop. It is a vigorous climbing plant that needs a trellis or other support, It will quickly overtake other plants. Plant 11 inches apart.
Time of Harvesting Most varieties maturein 37 to 45 days. Take individual leaves, start harvesting the outer,
older leaves first and them gradually the center of the plant as those leaves mature.
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Cucurbitaceae Family: Cucumber Growing characteristics Full sun. A lot of water. Plant seedlings one inch deep and about 36 to 60
inches apart or 1 foot apart for vines. Plant seeds directly in the soil.
Time of Harvesting Most are ready for harvest in 50 to 70 days from planting (when they are 7 to 9 inches long and have a bright dark green color).
Miscellaneous Family: Corn Growing characteristics Full sun and well drained soil Needs a lot of nitrogen and plenty of space. In dry conditions, be sure to keep well watered due
to its shallow roots.
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Time of Harvesting Harvest 60-100 days after planting. Harvest when the tassels turn brown.
Malvaceae Family: Okra Growing characteristics Full sun. Be sure to space them 1 to 2 feet apart to give them
ample room to grow. Keep the plants well watered throughout the summer months.
Time of Harvesting Pick when the pods are 2 to 3 inches long. It takes only about four days fromthe time of flowering to the harvest.
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With Thanks to:
Luke Punnet
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
Climate Compliance Team November 2017