In this economy, it is more tempting than ever to grow a fresh vegetable garden. You may think it is hard to do, but the truth is that you just need good information, hard work and a sense of commitment. Here are some great tips to help you get started with your own vegetable garden.
1. Come up with a list of vegetables your family will eat. This is a critical first step. After all, you don’t want to toil in a garden, grow the vegetables, and have them wilt on the vine. Think of foods that your family will actually eat, so that you have a good starting point for your garden.
2. Find out what your growing region is. Different plants have a difficult time growing in different zones. Find out which zone you are in, and compare your list of wanted veggies to it. Make sure that everything you want to grow can be grown in your region successfully. That way you give yourself a chance to succeed.
3. Plan out your garden. That means that you take the time to draw up plans, the way an architect would draw up plans for a house. See the garden in your mind and choose how your plants will be arranged. This will save you a lot of time going forward, and once the seeds are in the ground you will be able to remember what plant is where. Choose a sunny place to grow your vegetables in, too.
4. Test your soil and prepare it. You have to make sure that the site of the garden is going to grow your vegetables, and you have to be sure that it is safe to plant your plants there. Get a pH testing kit from any home improvement store and test your soil. Make sure that your soil is right for the plants you want to grow. Then, fertilize the soil with either store-bought fertilizer or organic compost. Preparing your soil this way makes it easier for your garden to succeed.
5. Take care of pests or have a plan in mind. You have to realize that humans aren’t the only beings who eat vegetables. You need to protect your garden from large predators like raccoons and rabbits, but you also have to make sure that ants and worms are not helping themselves either. Use diatomaceous earth, for example; it is non-toxic and will dry out insects. Get a fence to prevent small animals from intruding.
6. Maintain your garden well. You can’t just plant the seeds and disappear until the vegetables show up! Get out to your garden a few times a week to make sure the plants are growing well, and monitor them for any problems.
If you follow these tips, you are likely to have a fantastic vegetable garden that will produce beautiful veggies and nourish your family. And because you grew them yourself, you will know that they are fresh and of good quality; they will taste even better.
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