How to Grow a Vegetable Garden

Gardening is enjoyed by lots of people, many who just grow for the fun of it. But, imagine being able to eat your garden or even grow prized vegetables that you can be proud of. Growing a garden you can eat can be a rewarding experience, not to mention it's also very cheap. For the most part growing a vegetable garden, and possibly a few fruits is relatively simple. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your vegetable garden.

Choosing a Plot

Although it may not seem like it, choosing a plot can sometimes be a bit difficult. With some careful planning it can be done. Before choosing a location decide how much food you would like to grow. Most foods need at least 8-12 inches in between each plant and anywhere from 6-12 inches in between each row. Even if you are only growing a few things you will need a relatively good-sized plot.

For the beginner, you may want to begin with a smaller plot allowing you test your green thumb and make sure it works! Generally for 4-5 vegetables, you will need an area roughly 10 feet by 4 or 5 feet. Choose an area that is close to the home or close to a water source so you can keep the garden moist. Also keep in mind that your vegetable garden will need lots of sun. Choose an area that gets at least 6 hours of full sunshine and no more than 10. Too much sun will make it difficult for plantings to grow properly and you may have a hard time keeping the soil moist.

Preparing to Plant

Although the back of most seed packets tell you to just sow directly into the ground, you may get better results if you start your plants indoors and them move them to your garden. If this is the route you are going to take make sure you start the plantings 3-4 weeks before you plan to place them in your vegetable garden. Although you don't have to start many vegetables this way, it often produces more healthy, longer living plants.

Before planting anything in the ground make sure to weed, get rid of insects, and aerate (till) the soil. You may also want to check the PH of your soil to make sure your vegetables will actually grow. If the PH is less than or greater than a 6.0-6.5 range your vegetables, or any other plants may have a hard time growing. Depending on what region you live in you may have to add lime, sand, or mulch to the soil to get the PH just right.

When you till the soil it is the best time to mix in your fertilizer or compost. This is also the right time to pick out rocks, pebbles, sticks, or other debris that may inhibit the growth of your plants. Considering you, or someone you know may be eating from your vegetable garden it is best to use a natural fertilizer; preferably one that is chemical free.

What Should I Plant?

Some vegetables have to be planted as early as the first few weeks of April. Others may not be planted until mid May to late June. When choosing what to plant it is best to plant something every few weeks just to make sure you always have fresh food all season long. Seeds are available in early, mid, and late varieties. For example corn, onions, watermelons, carrots, beans, and peas can all be planted at different times to produce and even harvest for the entire growing season.

Choosing what to plant may be hard for some. It is generally best to plant what you like to eat. If you are new to gardening choose plants that are easy to grow and don't require much care like potatoes, pumpkins, radishes (most any root vegetable), or herbs. Some vegetables and fruits that may be a bit harder to grow are grapes, peas, mint, and any kind of lettuce. These foods require much more care and should be left to an advanced gardener.

Almost anything you choose to grow is pretty easy when it comes to vegetables. What will help you produce the best results is to avoid using pesticides. Not only are pesticides bad for the vegetables and for your body, but insects may confuse some kinds (powder) for pollen and you will find your garden has not be germinated properly. When planting, be sure the soil is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit or better to ensure the baby plants will grow. Weed on a weekly basis and plant some marigolds around the border to help reduce the amount of insects in your garden. If you can find some spiders around, add them to the garden as they will also help control pests.