Seaside Vegetable Garden: Tips For Growing Vegetables On Coast

One of the biggest challenges when trying to grow a coastal garden is the salt level in soil. Most plants have little tolerance to high levels of salt, which acts upon them much like salt on a slug. The sodium draws moisture out of the plant and it can burn roots. However, it is possible to have a lush, productive veggie garden by the sea if you choose tolerant varieties and amend your soil with plenty of organic matter. You should also protect the plants from salt spray with a cloche, row cover, or hedge of tolerant plants. Seaside vegetables grow just as well as those inland with a little planning and effort.

Raised Seaside Vegetable Garden

One foolproof method of growing vegetables on coast areas with high levels of salt is to make a raised bed. Raised beds warm up faster than ground level soil and are easy to cover to protect from salt spray. Fill the bed with purchased garden soil amended with compost. This will start out low in salt, providing a more hospitable environment for baby vegetable plants. Seaside vegetables are no different in care from those grown elsewhere. Situate the bed in full sun and provide adequate water for fruiting and vegetable production. Watch for pests and keep the bed covered with a row cover.

Growing Vegetables on Coast Soils

If you are determined to plant in your existing soil, dig down at least 9 inches (23 cm.) and work in compost. This increases drainage and nutrient levels. Then water deeply prior to planting to help leach any of the trapped salt down deeper into the earth. Provide fresh water for at least a week before planting young plants to help the salt percolate down to a level where it cannot damage the roots. Also, choose plants that do well in your zone. In order to give your baby plants a good chance of survival, choose varieties noted for some salt tolerance. Corn will not perform well at all where coastal spray and winds bring in salty brine. Many of the cool season vegetables, such as Brassicas and Cruciforms, grow splendidly in a veggie garden by the sea.

Salt Tolerant Vegetable Plants

Plants having very high levels of tolerance and grow rapidly if given good care include:

• Beets
• Kale
• Asparagus
• Spinach

Plants that have medium tolerance include the following:

• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Peas
• Lettuce
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Some squash

Place these plants in amended raised beds and you will be eating a rich harvest in no time. Avoid plants like radish, celery, and beans. These types of veggies are not suited for the seaside vegetable garden. Choosing plants that have a high likelihood of success will increase your chances of a beautiful veggie garden by sea climates. Take advantage of the moist air and cooler temperatures but mild climate of most coastal zones. This creates an extended season of growing for many types of vegetables.