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companion growing
One way of picking a way through the two extreme options (regimented beds for veg groups vs mixing things up) is companion growing. This sounds very complex, but isn't! The idea is that if you locate two diferent crops next to each other they will help each other out.
One example often quoted is onions (and shallots/garlic) next to carrots, as the smell of each puts off carrot and onion fly.
Native american indians grow sweetcorn, squashes and beans together, with the idea that the sweetcorn makes best use of the height it gains, beans grow up the sweetcorn, and squashes provide ground cover. The three benefit each other in another way - legumes fix nitrogen into the soil, and squashes need a lot of nutrients, so the idea is that it is a compact way to grow without exhausting your soil.
Marigolds also disguise the smell of carrots, so if you want to get some easy flowers in to the area that is a great way.
Overall don't be too serious in your first year. I was a newbie a year ago, put crops in when I cleared a patch, and ended up with cucumbers and cabbages next to tomatoes, spouts and french beans! Nature has a funny way of working itself out. The main problem I have now is remembering what went where. I suggest you draw a plan of your plot for reference in future years!
One way of picking a way through the two extreme options (regimented beds for veg groups vs mixing things up) is companion growing. This sounds very complex, but isn't! The idea is that if you locate two diferent crops next to each other they will help each other out.
One example often quoted is onions (and shallots/garlic) next to carrots, as the smell of each puts off carrot and onion fly.
Native american indians grow sweetcorn, squashes and beans together, with the idea that the sweetcorn makes best use of the height it gains, beans grow up the sweetcorn, and squashes provide ground cover. The three benefit each other in another way - legumes fix nitrogen into the soil, and squashes need a lot of nutrients, so the idea is that it is a compact way to grow without exhausting your soil.
Marigolds also disguise the smell of carrots, so if you want to get some easy flowers in to the area that is a great way.
Overall don't be too serious in your first year. I was a newbie a year ago, put crops in when I cleared a patch, and ended up with cucumbers and cabbages next to tomatoes, spouts and french beans! Nature has a funny way of working itself out. The main problem I have now is remembering what went where. I suggest you draw a plan of your plot for reference in future years!
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