Size and layout of your Vegetable Garden
Plan the layout of the garden to suit your own requirements,
remembering the following:
Tailor the size of your garden to suit the family requirements. An
area 12 metres by 9 metres should provide for the needs of a family of
four if two crops are grown in most beds each year. A small garden which
can easily be cared for is much better than a large one which may be
neglected.
Plant vegetables which the family like best, and where space is
limited, grow vegetables with the highest yield. Salad vegetables, which
deteriorate rapidly after picking, are a must for the home garden.
Vegetables which should not be considered in small gardens are pumpkins
and other vine crops and peas as they require much more room. Suggested
priorities are given in the table on page 64.
Perennials grow in the same area for many years, so locate these beds
to one side of the garden where they will not be disturbed.
Sweet corn, climbing beans and staked tomatoes should be grown on the
south side of the garden area where they will not shade low-growing
crops.
It is easier to handle crops in long rows, especially if motorised
garden equipment is to be used. Mixed crops can be grown in the same
long row or bed if necessary.
Group the crops which mature during the same season so that after
they are harvested the land can be prepared for another crop, or a green
manure crop.
Fence farm gardens with wire-netting to keep out stock and rabbits
and allow wide headlands between the fence and the garden area for the
movement of implements.
Early crops should be planted in higher and drier areas while celery
and onions can be planted in lower areas with reasonable safety. Beans,
especially perennial climbing types such as Scarlet Runner, should be
protected from hot drying winds.
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