Plant a Vegetable Garden

Gardening at Home

Home vegetable gardening can be a relaxing and rewarding pastime for many people. Before you can grow your own vegetables, you need to first select the area on your property that you are going to use. Many people choose their back yard to grow their vegetables because it is secluded and has less of a chance of getting stepped on by anyone or thing.

The Basic Needs

Make sure that whatever part of your land you choose it receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight every day, good soil, and receives enough drainage. This will usually mean that it will be further away from the house to avoid being shaded at certain times of the day.

Soil Preparation

Prior to planting any seeds or seedlings, you'll need to ensure that you prepare your soil for planting. The right kind of soil ensures that your plants will absorb nutrients, air and water properly. This helps the plants develop a strong root system and yield a more abundant crop. The type of soil you currently have will dictate what measures you need to take to prepare the soil.

When to Start Your Garden

Soil preparation may need to take place well in advance of any planting, late fall is often recommended. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy than the garden should be cover-cropped and plowed in the early spring time. When the area has heavy sod it should be plowed one or two months before the planting begins to break up the sod Re-plowing at several intervals may be necessary to break down the sod.

Why Till the Soil?

Tilling your garden is an important step for several reasons. Firstly, this ensures that your fertilizer or other soil amendments will distribute evenly in your growing space. Additionally, tilling loosens the soil and readies it for seeds or new plants. However, you should refrain from deep tilling as this may cause helpful organisms in the soil to be killed off. Work through the topmost few inches and avoid compacting your soil for best results.

To have a successful vegetable garden, you must have well-drained, fertile, deep soil. The type of soil is not as important as the texture and quality. Your soil must be free of stones and well drained. You can add any nutrients the soil needs in the form of organic compost.

Arranging You Garden

Arranging your garden is an important consideration. You should never plant them without first knowing where each seed will be planted. First you need to decide what vegetables you are growing. Certain vegetables cannot be grown next to others. Lettuce, beets, spinach, and any other vegetable that does not need much space to grow can be planted together, usually in a small garden. Potatoes, melons, pumpkins, and other vegetables that need more space to grow can be planted together, but separated from the smaller ones. Place them in the desired row and make sure that you label where each vegetable is in order to make sure that you keep track of how they are all growing.

Not only is having a vegetable garden enjoyable, but it can save you money when harvest time comes around. You may think you need a big yard to have a nice garden. Truly, it does not matter if haven't as big a space as you'd like because you can always grow a vegetable garden. You only need an area of ground that is free from pests that receives six-eight hours of sun daily.

Garden Location

Part of the process to grow a vegetable garden is to decide where to locate your garden. You also need to ascertain if your soil will be conducive to growing vegetables. Not all soil will be optimal for vegetable gardening, but that is easily remedied by improving your soil with nutrients and organic matter.

How to Improve Soil Quality

The ideal method for improving soil quality is mixing in aged manure, moldy leaves, composted materials, peat moss and/or other organic materials that are biodegradable about 14-21 days prior to planting. Doing so will increase your soil's nutrient levels so that the plants have all they need to thrive.

Weed Control

In order to keep away the weeds from your vegetables you want to mulch them during the early part of the summer. Not only will this keep the weeds away but it will also help to improve the structure of the soil and help to keep enough of the moisture in. Hay, compost, shredded bark, and straw are the best materials to use for mulch.

To Much Water is not Good

Letting the rain water your garden might be the ideal and natural way, but consider that an excess of water isn't good and can impede your plants' growth. For this reason, it's necessary to drain out the excess water. A wonderful method for doing this involves building ditches around the perimeter of your vegetable garden.

Sometimes the plants will need watering that you'll have to do yourself. That's why building a system such as drip irrigation is important. A system like this can distribute water right to the plants' roots. A timer attachment can make the process even easier. It lets you attend to other endeavors without worrying about your garden's water needs.

Selecting Which Vegetables to Grow

Choosing which vegetables to grow in your garden should be an easy decision. Select vegetables that you and your family enjoy eating. If your garden is on the smaller side, try to choose vegetables that are small in size. This will ensure that your vegetable garden is easily managed and that your plants do not grow on top of each other.

The Best Time to Plant

A common dilemma for those new to gardening is the best time to plant vegetable garden outdoors. The answer is as simple as determining the best time to plant for the climate where you live. Those who want to know a particular date for planting their vegetable garden can get the best recommendations from the Farmers' Almanac. The planting date will depend upon the weather and this information is also provided in the Farmers' Almanac. The Old Farmers' Almanac has been the farmers bible for many years.

Freezing can Damage Plants

Remember however that even a gardener with a green thumb can have plants die because of unforeseen freezing weather and a premature winter that comes by surprise. Gardening can be an experiment of finding what works and doesn't work but if it is done the right way it is worth the hard work.

The Old Farmers' Almanac

Is the best of planting manuals for vegetables will tell you that when you are growing spring vegetables it is necessary to set seed in the latter part of the winter. Summer vegetables need to be started in the first part of spring (following the final frost) and fall vegetables need to be planted in the middle to latter part of the summer.

Spring Planting

Spring vegetables are best to be planted during temperatures that are around the 50 degree mark. Summer vegetables are safe in the 60 - 70 degree range. There are specific vegetables that are identified as warm season and cool season vegetables. Frequently these descriptions can be perplexing to people. It is crucial to note that these descriptions don't particularly pertain to the season of the year, but the weather that the vegetables can flourish in.

Vegetables to Plant in Near Freezing Temperatures

Some vegetables can withstand growing in near-freezing temperatures, even though it is not suggested. These vegetables include onions, peas, salad greens, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. Many first time vegetable gardeners have better success with early spring vegetables.

In your vegetable garden, options like eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, squash, and melons may not do so well if they are exposed to temperatures under 50 degrees. If you wish to grow them, you must shield them using a device like a cloche, or instead move them into a hothouse.

When planning a vegetable garden, remember that you want to plant all warm season vegetables after the last frost. Pay attention to these frosts, and plan accordingly in order to choose the best, safest growing option. Planting zones and recommended times are usually listed on the back of seed packets.

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Organic Vegetable Gardening

There are lots of things we do and eat each day that are bad for our health. As we become older, we tend to become more aware of the importance of good health. Because of this, many people are making the healthy choice of using organic vegetables and other organic foods.

A Green Thumb is Like Money in the Bank These Days.

Just think how expensive organic vegetables are! If you are good at growing things, you could save a fortune by planting your own vegetable garden. Of course, organic vegetable gardening is quite a bit of work, but in this case the ends really do justify the means.

Organic Vegetable Gardening

It is pretty straightforward as long as you follow a few guidelines. In essence, you want to avoid using chemicals and other products that are harmful. Vegetables are notorious for attracting pests and plant diseases, so consider carefully which ones you can realistically grow and how many of each vegetable you want. You want to be able to make enough for your whole family to enjoy during the season so make sure that you choose wisely.

Select the Vegetables to Grow First

Once you choose your vegetables, you need to choose a good spot of land where you will plant the garden. The best location for organic vegetable gardening will get between six and eight hours of sunlight every day, have soil that drains well, and be close to a good water supply. Ideally, it should be close enough to your home to be convenient, but not so close that the garden gets too much shade from your house or nearby trees.

You will want to use all organic materials.

Add your organic soil conditioners and fertilizers to your soil three weeks ahead of time, at least. You will want to mix them into the soil slowly and thoroughly. Break up any large chunks of compost that you may come across. When these are present, they can cause nutrient deficiencies in some areas, as the nutrients are not readily available. This in turn can cause soil-borne diseases that are harmful to your young plants.

What is Organic?

Using organic materials like compost, animal manure, cover crops, and mixed organic fertilizer can help to benefit the soil and keep the plants growing. It can improve the structure and the condition of the soil, including the ability for the soil to hold all of the nutrients, and helps to improve the ability for the soil to hold more water. At the same time, properly prepared soil should also be well-drained to prevent water-logging.

Nitrogen and Bacteria do Play a Part

Earthworms, bacteria, and fungi play an important role in an organic vegetable garden. They break down organic matter and help it to decompose so that it can feed your plants. As this matter decomposes, nitrogen and other nutrients will be released into the soil. Don't forget to test the pH levels of your soil. You will want to be sure that your organic material has the right amount of nitrogen for your plants. By feeding your vegetable garden properly, it will yield a bountiful harvest.

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Vegetable Gardening Indoors

When the weather gets colder and the time for outdoor gardening is done, home gardeners can still turn to the pleasures of indoor vegetable gardens. Leafy crops, root crops, tomatoes, and a lot of other kinds of vegetables are good for growing indoors.

Indoors is a Little More Complex

There are aspects of growing vegetables inside that are a bit more complex than growing them outside. You are in control of things that nature usually handles, like light, temperature, and even pollination! You are responsible for making sure that your plants receive enough tending to maintain good growth and can thrive indoors.

Leafy crops and root crops need cooler indoor temperatures. It is best to place them in a bright room that is not used very often and where the temperature in the room cannot fall below freezing. These type of plants will be able to handle the cooler temperature during the daytime (usually 60 degrees) and the nighttime temperature down into the high 30s.

Tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and sweet and hot peppers need warm temperatures throughout the day and night in order to grow properly. The ideal daytime temperature should be in the high 70s and the night temperature should not be below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's ideal to grow an indoor vegetable garden in a room which faces the south and has the capacity to get warmer during winter from solar heating. It's still vital for plants to get six to eight hours of sun each day. To accomplish this, you have to keep the plants as close to the windows as possible. Sadly, this can cause the plants to freeze due to the coldness which comes from the windows. To avoid this problem, try supplemental heating for the room with the blend of cool-white and warm-white fluorescent lighting.

To prevent unwanted insects and diseases, avoid using ordinary outdoor gardening soil. For the best results, choose lightweight soil mixes created with equal parts of peat, potting soil, vermiculite, and perlite. There are a number of commercially prepared lightweight soils which are designed specifically for indoor vegetable gardening.

You will need to water your indoor vegetable garden more frequently than your outdoor garden. Be careful not to over-water either. Remember that indoor plants do not have the sources of humidity that outdoor plants do. This is due to the cooler temperatures and the fact that these plants are kept in an enclosed area. You should also give your plants food supplements every couple of weeks. This will replenish the nutrients that are depleted by frequent watering.

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What is Small Space Vegetable Gardening?

Contrary to much of the advice you might get, you don't need a lot of space to have a vegetable garden. Many people with a small amount of space who might want a vegetable garden don't even try. That's unfortunate because a small space vegetable garden can be fun and useful no matter how small.

Treat the Small Space the Same as the Full Size Garden

You will need to treat your small space vegetable gardening just as you would with larger scale gardening. Your sunlight requirements will remain at 6 - 8 hours a day, you will need quality soil and have to maintain your water and nutrients. All you have to do is scale down to size to meet your restrictions on space and the particular needs of your chosen vegetables.

Water is Needed Often

No matter the size of your garden, or what plants you choose, you are going to need to water it often. Relying on the rain to water your garden isn't good enough. Rigging up a drip irrigation system is the best way to make sure your plants get just the right amount of water for your small space vegetable gardening efforts. The mister is a favorite and also very easy to set up. Depending on the area you need to mist. 1/2 in PCV with misting fitting can inserted right into the PVC and add a water connection. You use less water and the vegetables grow better.

The Secrets in the Soil

Soil is like air to a plant. Just like humans need a certain balance of elements in their air, soil needs to have certain components, like an abundance of readily available nutrients, preferably from organic matter. The flavor of your produce can be significantly influenced by the quality of the soil. Think ahead and mix your soil the right way before you plant your vegetable garden.

When your available garden space is not large, you need to select vegetables that will grow well and not crowd each other out. Choose seeds or plants with names that include such terms as "pixie," "dwarf," "baby," "patio," or "tiny." Don't be concerned that the fruits will be too small; these terms refer to size of the plant and not necessarily the size of the produce.

What is Succession Planting?

Succession planting is a great technique for people with a small garden area. This technique will allow you to grow vegetables every few weeks during the growing season. The best vegetables to use for this are lettuce, beans, and zucchini. If you pick the right vegetables, even a small space vegetable garden can provide you with a plentiful harvest all summer long. Beans, peppers, and tomatoes, for example, can be maintained and continuously picked in a way that will give you new vegetables for your table every week for some time.

What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is an advanced technique to use for small space vegetable gardening. With this technique you will plant two or more complementary plants next to each other. Companion planting encourages better growth and yield while helping to keep away pests. For example, tomatoes grow well alongside carrots and cucumber. Look for gardening charts that describe which plants are deemed suitable for companion planting.

How to Plan a Vegetable Garden