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31-03-2003, 05:08 PM

(Frogleg) wrote in message ...
On 17 Mar 2003 19:57:04 -0800, (moya) wrote:

I'm interested in a low maintainence vegi garden

I was tempted to say "there ain't no such animal," but if by "low
maintainence" you don't mean "no work," meticulous preparation will
help. Prepare the soil; mulch for weed surpression; erect supports for
plants that need 'em; arrange for easy irrigation; fence against
rabbits and deer, and give everything enough room. Stock up on
controls for beetles, catepillars, fungus, mildew, and birds. And
you'll still have to weed (some always get through).

What did you have in mind?

1) emphasize "perennial" vegetables/herbs/berries
2) use long lasting, apply-once, weed-free mulch. Plant through mulch
3) one manuring a year, compost directly on beds, medium fertility
mulch (wood chips)
4) drip irrigation with possibility of making it automatic when on
vacation
5) grow only disease resistant veggies which grow well in your area
6) electric fence for most critters, predator urine for voles, nuclear
bombs for gophers