I couldnt say no to my 7 year old . Now I need help with planting an acre .

[Oaktree]

I would start small. While an acre doesn't sound like much, it's a lot to take care of, especially for a child.

I don't have much of a problem with deer except in the fall, but woodchucks will strip a garden in no time. I've also had a problem with crows and corn...the minute the seeds sprout they eat 'em. I've had to put netting over my corn patch until the plants get 4-5"tall if I want any corn at all. Never had any luck with any sort of scarecrow.

 

[Sprinklerman]

Lots of things I didnt consider . I dont have woodchucks , there are groundhogs and deer . Of course the kid will lose interest , I expect that . But its the experience .

 

[charlz]

Corn requires a lot of water, especially during the 'kernel fill' stage. Unless you get regular rain I don't think it will do much without irrigation. Also requires a fair amount of fertilizer, I follow the schedule of: 16:16:16 at planting, 46:0:0 at 6 inches growth and again at 18 inches growth. You want to grow it in a block for pollination, poor pollination (and poor fertilization, lack of water) leads to cobs that don't fill out.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Lots of things I didnt consider . I dont have woodchucks , there are groundhogs and deer . Of course the kid will lose interest , I expect that . But its the experience .

Just do a small plot for experimentation and to give the youngster the experience.

 

[Streetcar]

Lots of things I didnt consider . I dont have woodchucks , there are groundhogs and deer . Of course the kid will lose interest , I expect that . But its the experience .

In my garden the groundhogs/woodchucks would destroy the corn and beans. It is amazing how fat they get. They did not bother the melons.
For large gardens , weeding is the biggest problem

 

[bruski]

Not living in or near burbs I have no woodchuck/groundhog problems. Sighted in scoped .223 from the patio takes care of that. Food for the vulture population. . . .Barn cats take care of the squirrels and rabbits and fence keeps the deer out.

4 acres is a huge vegetable plot. Think 50-100X50-100 plot to start. You'll be amazed how much that will produce. Smaller, better kept beats larger out of control every time.

 

[IslandTractor]

Lots of things I didnt consider . I dont have woodchucks , there are groundhogs and deer . Of course the kid will lose interest , I expect that . But its the experience .

Woodchucks are groundhogs. Same beast, different name.