Have you ever wondered whether it’s possible to grow a productive organic vegetable garden right in your Alabama backyard? The answer is YES. Whether you own a large tract of land, have a small backyard, a terrace, or even just a few containers by your back door, the journey from garden to table is very rewarding.
We live in a suburb, and the backyard is heavy clay/chert and, needless to say, not productive for growing a garden. With a lot of study, advice from my 90+ year old parents, and a lot of hard work, we’re doing it, and we’re doing it sustainably with a little help from local co-ops, smart planting techniques, and American-made products.
Ten 4×8 foot galvanized raised beds were ordered and put together, with two of them being 2 feet tall for deep-rooted plants like tomatoes and peppers. You won’t win any beautification awards with the galvanized beds, but they are durable and it’s one less thing to worry about later. Why raised beds? They help with drainage (a big deal in north/central Alabama’s clay-heavy soil), allow us to create our own soil, reduce weeds, and make it easier on your back. The beds have also allowed us to incorporate a grid watering system which saves water and time. These grids have been a huge addition, much appreciated when it’s sweltering hot.
Our Soil Mix: Mel’s Mix Made Local
We used a version of Mel’s Mix (1/3 peat moss, 1/3 compost, and 1/3 vermiculite), sourcing ingredients locally through our co-op. This mix works because it retains moisture and provides aeration and nutrients.
Our compost came from a nearby farm and friend, Captain Compost. It’s rich in nutrients and teeming with life and eliminates the need for chemical fertilizer.
Support Systems: Cattle Panels for Vertical Growth
To trellis our tomatoes, beans, field peas, sweet potatoes and cucumbers, we use cattle panels—sturdy, long-lasting, and easy to find at your local co-op or Tractor Supply. These panels are perfect for vertical gardening, maximizing space and airflow (which helps prevent disease in Alabama’s humid summers).
Sustainable Choices: Grow Bags Made from Recycled Water Bottles
We use USA-made grow bags made from recycled water bottles. These breathable bags are perfect for herbs, potatoes, lettuces, peppers, squash, melons, peas, beans or even a volunteer tomato plant. So far, they’ve survived 3 years of weed-eater string trimming. In the bags, we’ve had very good luck growing sweet potatoes, allowing the vines to grow along the fence and trellises. Last year we harvested 176 pounds of sweet potatoes in 42 ten gallon grow bags. The bags are durable, easy to move (crop rotation), and a great option if you’re low on space.
Companion Planting + Herbs = Natural Pest Control
Basil, dill, parsley, sage, mint, oregano, cilantro, and marigolds are planted between our veggies for natural pest control and pollinator support. Companion planting not only saves space but helps balance the garden ecosystem, reducing your need for sprays or intervention.
A Southern Favorite: Alabama Black-Eyed Butter Bean
One of our all-time favorite plants is the Alabama Black-eyed Butter Bean—an heirloom variety that thrives in our region. It’s highly disease-resistant, productive, and absolutely delicious fresh or dried.
Seeds: Local and From Rareseed.com
We love buying seed packs from our local co-op because it supports community agriculture and provides varieties tailored to our zone. We also incorporate high-quality, unique varieties from rareseeds.com and southernexposure.com. This approach gives us the best of both worlds: local, zone-adapted seeds and unique specialty varieties from around the world. By using heirloom seeds, this also allows us to save the seeds from harvest to harvest —a big money-saver.
Pest Management…Ugh
Keeping unwanted pests out is an ongoing battle. Deer are a huge problem in most gardens; however, we’ve got a 110lb. rescue dog, Daisy, and the deer will not get close. I feel like Elmer Fudd trying to keep out the rabbits; so far, no luck. Any suggestions? Last year we had a massive invasion of Mexican bean beetles. They were in the process of wiping out our peas and butterbeans. So far, we’ve been able to avoid any chemical pesticides, but I was getting close on this one. I finally had an idea to try which involved a long extension cord and a shop vac. I literally stood out there and vacuumed up the beetles. Thankfully no one saw me, but it did work. The first year we had a bad invasion of tomato hornworms and were thinking it would be an ongoing problem. However, for the last two years, the birds have found this as a great food source and are keeping them in check. Every year presents a new challenge.
Want to grow your own organic garden in Alabama? Start with what’s available around you and of course…YouTube University. Use local compost, USA products, co-op seeds, cattle panels, and sustainable materials. You’ll enjoy some great tasting food and lower your grocery bill.
If you have any questions about buying or selling land – or backyard gardens, don’t hesitate to give me a call.
Eddie Stone· Associate Broker · Registered Forester · Great Southern Land, LLC · 205-837-4466
