Abandoned Garden Overhaul! Zone 5b

[vasiliki1223]

Hi everyone! I have a garden I used to tend to every year, but life got in the way and I haven’t touched it for a couple of years. Now you can imagine the state it’s in. I think I’m a little late in the season, but figured I would reach out and see what you guys think. I’ve included a picture because I’m not sure where to start this overhaul. I need help on where to start, suggestions on weed control that is food safe, thoughts on what to plant at this point in the season, etc. Any advice you are willing to give a novice gardener would be highly appreciated. Happy I found this forum!! ◡̈

 

[YumYum]

If a weed has a seed, chop it off and throw it somewhere besides your garden, preferably before it gets to that point. Dont till it under. The brown stuff probably has already dropped its seed there but there is nothing you can do now. Till under what you got and get to gardening. You are not too late to start but buying some vegetable starts is a bonus.

You ever seen this?

That is gonna be you. Hehe.

What do you like to eat? That is what you plant. You probably missed the broccoli, cabbage, potatoes season but the warm season vegetables season is here for you.... Tomtoes, peppers, squash, melons, corn, beans.

 

[vasiliki1223]

If a weed has a seed, chop it off and throw it somewhere besides your garden, preferably before it gets to that point. Dont till it under. The brown stuff probably has already dropped its seed there but there is nothing you can do now. Till under what you got and get to gardening. You are not too late to start but buying some vegetable starts is a bonus.

You ever seen this?

That is gonna be you. Hehe.

What do you like to eat? That is what you plant. You probably missed the broccoli, cabbage, potatoes season but the warm season vegetables season is here for you.... Tomtoes, peppers, squash, melons, corn, beans.

Hahaha yes that’ll be me tomorrow morning!
So it’s not too late for tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, peppers?? Should I lay anything down after all the weeds are removed like cardboard? Do I need fresh soil?

 

[Ruderunner]

A clean organized workspace is wonderful for getting things done. Not just easier but also helps the mindset.

I'd start with mowing and weed whacking. Looks like some overgrown brush and fence repair too.

After mowing, till the junk in. Looks like a small enough area that solarizing would be practical.

It might be too late to plant much for summer unless you buy good sized plants to start. Might be better to plan a fall garden with cool weather crops.

As noted, plant what you eat.

 

[roadrunner]

I'd be curious of the biodiversity of "weeds" in your garden. If there's a lot of diversity, you probably have very nice soil, since plants feed the soil, even "weeds", especially if you have a good variety.

One option would be to mow down the plants, leave them in place and cover with a heavy layer of wood chips (leave the "weeds"). Then just plant into it.

 

[YumYum]

I have watermelons, canteloupes, and my late tomatoes in seed starting trays right now. Just had to replant my corn since over half of it didn't come up. My green beans go in the ground after the corn is harvested. There is plenty of time for gardening.

 

[vasiliki1223]

Is it my best interest to add some new soil too after I’m done tilling?

 

[Ruderunner]

Maybe but it's probably better to figure out what you have first.

 

[vasiliki1223]

Thank you everyone! So glad I found this place