How to Start a Vegetable Garden

Ok, you've been thinking of ways to save on grocery bills, and you decided to try raising your own vegetable garden. Before you take the plunge, however, here are a few tips to help you plan for success.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• garden tools
• seeds and transplants
• suitable space

1. If you are a novice gardener, you may find a small garden space is best for the first year. Often a small, well-tended garden space is more productive than a sprawling unkempt plot where weeds have taken over. An attractive garden is most enjoyable. With gardens, sometimes small is beautiful.

2. Select a spot that has full sun for most of the day.Take paper and pencil and make a plan for what you will grow in the garden. Do some research to find out how plants should be spaced. When the weather has settled, and the soil has warmed, you can dig out any sod and turn over the soil to a depth of about 10 inches with a shovel. It is not necessary to invest in a roto tiller at this point. If you prefer your space to be mechanically tilled, you can either rent a tiller or hire someone to till it for you.

3. Dig in some compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. Choose plants that you and your family enjoy. If nobody likes kohlrabi or brussels sprouts, you don't need to plant any. Corn takes a lot of space for the yield, and potatoes can be tricky. Tomatoes, zucchini squash, peppers, cucumbers, carrots and leaf lettuce are fairly easy to grow.

Tips & Warnings

• Light cultivation encourages root growth at the beginning of the season.
• You may need to water the garden if it doesn't rain during the week.
• Using mulch of grass clippings or other materials around the plants can conserve moisture and encourage growth.
• Leave space for a few flowers. Have fun and happy gardening!

[starlet67]

on 4/11/2009 Nice title photo and great tips!5*

[readingrabbit]

on 3/27/2009 Thanks for posting a response :)

[IcyCucky]

on 3/27/2009 Can't wait to get started! 5*