How to Plant a Summer Vegetable Garden

Learning how to plant a summer vegetable garden is the perfect activity in a downturn economy. It is economical, leads to self sufficiency and will make healthy eating practical if food prices inflate.

Planting a vegetable garden is easier than the novice would believe and an excellent adventure. Learn how to plant a summer vegetable garden with the following steps. May your summer be fruitful and delicious.

Instructions

1. 

   CHOOSE A LOCATION - The best location for a summer vegetable garden is one that gets a lot of sun! This can include a featured spot in your yard, a potted area on your patio, or even on a deck or balcony. If you do not have a yard or have very limited space, you may be interested in renting a plot in a a community garden, some communities offer this for free. See resource section for more information.

2. 

   CHOOSE METHOD OF PLANTING - Your method of planting will depend upon your location and preference. If you are using a patio or balcony, you will probably need to have a potted vegetable garden. If you are using a section of your yard or a community garden you will have the option to till the soil or use a raised bed. If you are interested in building a raised bed, it is an easy project and will improve drainage and help the soil warm quicker. You can plant your vegetables in rows or by square foot gardening. Square foot gardening has the advantages of simple planning, less weeds, no foot traffic and more plants in less space.

3. 

   PREPARE YOUR SOIL - For the best summer vegetable garden, you will need to prepare nourishing soil for your plants. Till the area for the garden to make sure there is no grass seeds (as these could interfere with your vegetable roots). Add organic humus such as compost, peat moss or well processed manure work very well. You can buy any of these supplies at a local gardening store. Consider getting together with neighbors to buy bulk for cheaper prices.

4. 

   CHOOSE YOUR VEGETABLES - Now, it is time to make your summer vegetable garden unique to your family. Make a list of the vegetables your family most consumes. Popular vegetables in a summer garden include Squash, Bush Beans, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Okra, Peppers, Tomatoes, etc. You will want to choose a variety which thrives in your area. See resource section for tips on how many plants you will need for your family size and recommendations on plants which will thrive in your region.

5. 

   PLAN THE LAYOUT OF YOUR GARDEN - The remaining step is planning the layout of your garden. You may want to draw a diagram for this step. If you are using square foot gardening, map out the sections accordingly. A general rule is that rows should run North and South. Tall plants like corn, peas and beans should be planted on the North side of the garden as to not shade the vegetables. Medium plants such as tomatoes, squash and pumpkins should be in the middle and shorter plants such as radishes, carrots, lettuce and onions should be on the South end.

6. 

   ENJOY! You have now successfully planted your summer vegetable garden. Enjoy your self sufficiency and nutrient rich tasting vegetables.

Tips & Warnings

• Get the whole family involved in the gardening process. This is an educational experience for kids who don't realize what goes into growing the food they eat every day. It can also be used to teach about pesticides, economic issues and just plain old responsibility.

Resources

• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide
• Find a Community Garden Here!
• Square Foot Gardening
• Types for your Region
• How Many Vegetables for a Family of 4