Just redid my garden beds in a different configuration and would love advice for what to plant where. Zone 7b/8a (NC). Location has morning shade in the front/left and afternoon sun. Pix are 9 am, noon, 3 pm. I usually plant 4 or 5 tomatoes, a couple bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, green beans. Have ever attempted corn and watermelon/cantaloupe, but never actually made it to being able to harvest anything; this was pre-fence so maybe they’ll be more successful where squirrels can’t get to them. I had the tomatoes all along the right side last year and had issues with blight, hornworms, whiteflies; not sure if I should spread them out this time. Also wondering if anything would be better placed in the middle vs the perimeter. Thanks so much!
by amalia2150
1 Comment
Last year was our first venture into raised beds with fencing. We had tremendous success and abundant harvests, with some exceptions: We harvested zero Brussels Sprouts due to cabbage moth caterpillars. We also fought ants, earwigs, sow bugs, snails and slugs. The only 2 hornworms that we found on our tomatoes had already been attacked by Braconid Wasps, and we’re laden with egg casings.
Four things new for 2026:
1. Greenhouse addition > We put up a greenhouse with raised beds inside filled with Mel’s Mix soil. We’re using it as an intermediary for our indoor-started seedlings. Heat-loving vegetables will stay in the greenhouse, as I am adding automated 12VDC ventilation today.
2. Insect netting > I plan on covering cruciferous plants with netting to prevent flying pests.
3. Chaos gardening > This year, we are scrambling-up our plant placement in order to limit the transfer of pests and diseases. We are adding Japanese Shiso to our Basil, Nasturtium, and Marigold deterrent plants… again, scattered around. Onion family plants will also be scattered around.
4. Sun shading > At summer’s peak last year, our tomatoes struggled during extreme sun and heat. We haven’t invested in a shading apparatus yet, but we will.
We’re sticking with non-toxic pest deterrents: Neem oil and Diatomaceous earth. I will likely be adding earwig traps, Ladybugs and Praying Mantis to our regimen.