How to Grow Your Own Green Thumb

The taste and quality of vegetables from your garden is unmatched by anything bought in a store. Plus, the satisfaction of doing it yourself.
Now' s the time to green right down to your thumb.
Good luck and happy gardening.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• seeds
• plants
• thumb
• garden
• mulch
• desire

1. 
    
   garden vegetables

   Stretch your growing season. Choose different vegetables that mature at different times.

2. 
    
   Earth worms at work

   There are rich rewards in composting. The general idea is to have organic
   matter to add to your soil. Adding earthworms is a good way to aerate your soil. They convert compost to rich soil.

3. 
    
   Seedlings

   Start your plants indoors, give them tender loving care, and they will do well by you. Don't put them out in the cold cruel world without hardening them off.

4. 
    
   Mulch

   Make use of mulch, it helps keep down weeds and insulates the soil.
   Keeping it cool and moist on hot days and warm on cool days.

5. 
    

   Don't forget to water, if you aren't getting a good rain fall, you will need to water at least 1 inch per week.

6. 
    

   Add friends to your garden, ladybugs and praying mantis, they both love to eat the bad bugs. Birds and bees help to pollinate the ones that need it. Plant marigolds, chrysathemums and nasturiums the strong scent of their blooms drive away many unwanted insects. As do my strong scented herbs.

7. 
    
   4 leaf clover

   Pick your crops often, this will encourage the plant to produce more.
   Always, rotate your crops, one vegetable takes from the soil while another will add back to it.
   Good Luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Get the whole family involved.
• Get your soil tested.

[sullysee]

on 6/30/2009 Very inspirational green thumb article.5*

[joanhaines]

on 5/19/2009 I'm in the process of doing these things. Thanks!

[HardworkinJudy]

on 4/28/2009 Thanks for the great gardening tips!

[guesswhat]

on 4/17/2009 Great article ....keep up the good work...I gave you 5 Stars and RR on 5 of your articles,very informational...ty ...Please return the favor..Al

[bethandlee]

on 4/16/2009 Some one stole my green thumb! :) I'll pass these tips on to my dad who is a retired nurseryman and loves to garden. 5*