COOPERATIVE KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY FACT SHEET

Information about the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program 2020

Tips and Tricks for Starting a Backyard Garden

Dr. Leigh Whittinghill, Assistant Professor of Urban Agriculture

Selecting a Garden Site

• Pick a site convenient for you to maintain.
• Some wind is good but avoid areas exposed to strong wind.
• Be mindful of possible pollution sources and avoid them.
• Your Garden will need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day.
• Look for areas where plants already do well- this can indicate high organic matter content and high nutrient content.
• Avoid spots where water puddles during and after rain, such as low spots at the bottom of a hill.
• Avoid clay soils and add organic matter to sandy soils.
• Plant away from trees, they will compete with your vegetables.

Planning the Garden

• Start small- you can always expand later.
• Be mindful of who will be using the garden.
• Select crops you use often.
• Know your crops:
• When to plant and harvest
• How to plant
• Consider disease resistant varieties and varieties that grow well in your area
• Consider including:
• Plants that attract pollinators and other beneficial insects.

-A rotation to reduce pest problems and increase fertility.