Front Yard Gardens

article by GREG MILLER

East Hill has tons of avid gardeners and homesteaders with varied garden types. Some are small, hidden away in the backyard, while others are full blown urban farms, encompassing the entire front and back yard (yes, that would be me). We even have families with goats, chickens, and the occasional stray rooster sighting. Each one adds its unique charm to the community while giving us a hobby to enjoy and in many cases a full belly as well. If the many garden sightings have inspired you to start your own, consider these as inspiration to get you energized and going.

1. FRONT YARD FRIENDS

I know it sounds crazy. A garden in your front yard? Well I highly recommend it. With it being in the front, you build community and get to know your neighbors. People will stop and ask you questions and share knowledge about gardening. You can share your produce and flowers with the block. It becomes an icon and inspires more neighbors to join in on the front yard gardening fun.

2. HEALTHY MOVEMENT

I like to think of gardening as natural movement. By starting a garden you will begin using muscles in a natural way that produces health and vitality. Moving also helps lift your spirit when you need a break from the rigors of daily life (especially that nasty sit-ata-computer-all-day-itus). I like to get outside and garden for thirty minutes to an hour in the morning and after dinner to avoid the blood sugar spike of a big meal.

3. PRETTY IN POSTURE

I suggest laying out your garden in what I call “market garden style” with tight lines. Use wood stakes and ropes or string to get the bed lines straight, while keeping them skinny enough so you can reach. Use natural materials (like wooden poles and string) to build your trellises. By keeping it beautiful, you will want to spend more time there. It will also keep your neighbors happy and engaged.

4. GO CRAZY WITH COLOR

Along the lines of keeping it beautiful, add splashes of color throughout your garden by growing different flowers and variegated plants. (My favorites are Zinnias, Marigolds, and Sunflowers.) This makes a striking difference to the look and feel of your garden while inviting in pollinators (a must!) and helping to control pests.

5. FABULOUSLY FRESH

I always tell people, “the best place to store your produce is on the vine or in the ground.” There is nothing better than picking a perfectly ripe tomato from your garden. You can pull fresh carrots for months after you get them going, and greens (such as turnips and kale) can be harvested over and over again as they grow new leaves. This is the best way to get the best freshness and nutrients from your produce.

6. VEGETABLE VARIETY

There is a direct correlation between the health of our gut and the diversity of plants we eat, according to Dr. Will Bulscwiez, author of Fiber Fueled Many fruits and vegetables are not found in the supermarket because they don’t ship and store well. Try growing some unique fruits and veggies like Kohlrabi and Amaranth. Your tummy will love you for introducing these fun new flavors into your diet.

7. A CUE FROM COMPOST

A deep compost mulch system requires just three components— compost, wood chips, and cardboard. I like to build 30-inchwide beds with an 18-inch wood chip path between each. You can also start on a smaller scale using what I call “grow bags” or a raised bed. The key component is nutrient-dense compost and organic fertilizer. ECUA offers a great compost option using recycled yard waste.