Vegetable Gardens

There are few things in life quite as satisfying to a home gardener than to grow, harvest and consume the fruits of their labor. A vegetable garden can provide your family with a variety of fresh, delicious vegetables if planned out in advance. Nothing can beat the fresh flavor and high nutritional value of vegetables harvested directly from your own garden.

• Location - The first part of planning is choosing the location. A vegetable garden must have at least six hours of full sun each day in order for your plants to grow properly. Drainage and soil quality are also important but secondary to full sunlight.



• Method of Growing - The most common method used in vegetable gardens is soil-grown. However, there are other options to consider such as hydroponics (water), organic, container and shade gardening.



• Soil Preparation- A key factor in growing vegetables is proper soil preparation. The soil should be fertile and drain well. Soil should not be prepared for planting if it is too wet or too dry. Add generous amounts of organic compost even if you are adding topsoil to the existing soil. You may even consider having your soil tested prior to planting.



• Choosing The Crop - Your choice of vegetables will be largely determined by the likes and dislikes of your family. Choose varieties that grow, mature and yield well in your own region. If you expect to consume large quantities of a certain type of vegetable, it is often more cost effective to start plants from vegetable seeds indoors. Also keep in mind that some types of plants resist transplanting and must be sown directly into the garden.



• Layout - Once you have chosen the location, prepared the soil and decided which crops and how many plants you are going to grow, it's time decide where they best fit in the garden. Tall crops such as peas, beans and corn, should be planted on the north side so they will not shade the rest of the plants. Plant cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, squash, pumpkins and other mediums sized crops in the center of your vegetable garden. At the very southern end of the garden is where radishes, carrots, beets, lettuce, onions and other low growing vegetables should be planted. Your rows should run north and south for maximum sun exposure and air circulation.



• Maintenance - During dry periods vegetable gardens may need additional watering. Most vegetables benefit from an inch or more of water every week, especially when they are fruiting. Control weeds, conserve moisture in the soil, and provide access to your plants by mulching in between rows. Weeds rob your vegetables of water, light and root space so pull them regularly. Treat pest problems early and regularly. Avoid using pesticides once the plants have fruited unless it becomes an absolute necessity, and be sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations.

By taking a little time in planning your vegetable garden before planting, your chances of harvesting a more bountiful yield throughout the summer and fall are greatly increased. Planting a vegetable garden where it can be visited frequently will allow you to monitor plant pests and the general health of the garden more easily.