Growing a Skinny Pig Garden
I recommend starting with a 3ft x 6ft plot. That is more than enough space to plant several rows of different types of plants. If the plot has grass growing on it you will need to turn the soil to create your planting bed. Start with a can of landscaping paint (spray paint ) and out line your bed. Then using a shovel and pitchfork turn the soil. This means to dig up the grass shake out the dirt from its roots, discard the grass, and use the pitchfork to aerate the soil by turning it. You will need to purchase about 5-10 bags of compost or moo do from your local nursery. When you get home you will spread the compost on your new bed and turn it in with your pitchfork. I recommend doing this once a year to a vegetable bed as the soil can quickly be depleted of important nutrients depending on what you grow. Adding a border to your bed is important it keeps people and weeds out. It does not have to cost alot of money, rocks fond around the property can be piled up on the outline to create your border.
With the planting bed prepared it is time to think about what you will want to plant. All lettuce,kale,spinach and dandelion greens are great foods for your skinny pigs. Many of these can be harvested and resown. I like to plant rows of greens several weeks apart so that there are always greens ready for harvest and once they are harvested you can replant for a new crop. That mean the first row may be plant three weeks earlier than the last row. Once your greens are chosen you will want to create your rows and and sow your seed. Follow the directions on the seed packets. remember to space your rows at least 1 to 1 1/2 ft apart. After Sowing water regularly until you see the seedling sprout at this time you will want to thin your seedlings. Many people do not follow this advice but if you do not thin your plants will be crowded and not reach full size. The seed packet will let you know how many seedling to thin out by telling you how far apart the plants should be. At this point it is a matter of keeping them well watered (but not drowning them) and keeping the veggie loving animals from eating your fine crops. There is a huge selection of getting and sprays that are designed to keep the bunny’s at bay. You may have to use a combination of produce to figure out what works on your bunny’s.
The harvest can happen quickly one day they may not be ready and the next they can bolt and all need to be gathered before becoming over ripe. I like to pick the older outer leave once they are large enough and feed them to the piggies the plant will continue to grow provide you with tons of greens for your skinny pigs. even though you have grown these plants your self I still believe in washing all veggie products really well before feeding them to your skinnys.
If you run in to insect or disease problem there are loads of products and home made remedies that are organic and piggie safe so do not lose hope if you spot a bug. Just go to your local nursery and they should be able to help you fix your problem in a safe organic way. Good luck and remember to have fun growing your own vegetables is a great way to do something really healthy for you and your pet.