Raising a vegetable garden is exhausting, yet fulfilling at the same time. There are actually many vegetables that can withstand the climate in Calgary.
It is satisfying to be able to raise your own vegetable garden even if it is in your backyard. It provides healthier food options, a greener yet healthy environment, saves money, and can even build a stronger bond within your family.
Creating a vegetable garden isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here are some things to keep in mind before you get started.
1. The Choice of Soil
The first step you need to consider is the best type of soil quality you need to use. Remember, the soil is the most important foundation of any garden.
Choosing the best type of quality soil depends on the climate, the place and the type of plant you wanted to grow. The natural soil in Calgary is high in clay and pH which can hinder the growth of vegetables To mitigate this, you need to mix your soil, or you can get some ready mixed-natural good quality of soil in Calgary.
There are a lot of choices when it comes in buying soil but choosing the best soil or landscape supplier in Calgary matters. At Ornamental Stone, we carry a variety of landscape supplies including Soil, Compost and Garden Mix. All our soil and garden mixes free of chemicals, and are screened or blended on-site, There are a lot of types to choose from, but there are 3 types of soil or compost that can be good in Calgary for your vegetable garden:
Screened Loam– A basic soil that is screened generally uses for planting trees and grass. No additional nutrients added.
Woodlands Mix– This is a gardening mix. A blend of soil, compost and mulch it is preferred to use for flower beds and vegetable gardens.
Garden Party– This is a soil amendment. A blend of compost and peat moss. It does not contain soil but is added to existing gardens to give organic matter nutrients and helps break down the clay.
2. Picking the Right Location
Choosing a good location for your garden is a must. Make sure there is enough sunlight, most vegetables need at least 6 hours of daily sunlight. You should plant the vegetables in a raised bed that contains moist and well-drained soil.
3. Use Proper Spacing
Avoid overcrowding your veggies as you plant them. Make sure to create some distance depending on how large the vegetable will grow. Most vegetable seed packs will advise the recommended plant distance depending on their sizes. Smaller plants may range from 6 to 12 inches while larger plants can get up to 36 inches apart.
4. Grow the Plants You Like
Deciding on what vegetable you should plant also depends on what you know and like because this will keep you motivated on growing them. Vegetables that would make an essential use in your household or that could help with your family dishes. Choose the vegetables that you and your family love to eat. This would help you to keep going since the feeling of fulfilment will grow along with your favourite veggies!
5. Vegetables to Plant
We have a difficult climate in Calgary, and our growing season is not the most reliable. But there are still a lot of vegetables and herbs you can grow well. Make sure to choose the vegetables that would apply to the space you have and the diet you have.
A variety of vegetables you can grow are:
- Beets
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Squash
- Tomatoes
6. Consistent Watering Schedule
With new plants, you have to dedicate yourself to properly water them with care. Most vegetables need regular and deep watering, but not continuous watering. The best time to water your veggies is in the morning, so they absorb the water and nutrients well throughout the day.
The Final Decision
The best way to enjoy gardening is starting out with the right knowledge and landscaping supplies. Ornamental Stone can help you with this and even go further to to ensure your vegetable garden can thrive. You can visit us online or in-store for all your soil needs in Calgary. Whether you need a dump truck delivery or a few pails, Ornamental Stone has you covered. You can also check out Wondertote if you would like your soil delivered in a tidy and convenient bag.