beginner gardens
How to grow a vegetable garden
Have you ever considered growing your own vegetables, but don’t know where to start? The good news is that vegetable gardens are not only for seasoned gardeners. Anyone with a green thumb and an enthusiasm for delicious home grown produce can successfully grow vegetables. Now that sunny spring days have arrived, it’s the perfect time to put that green thumb to the test.
Pick the right location
Most vegetables need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. In fact, the more sun they receive, the greater the results. Think bigger harvest, fuller vegetables and yummier taste. Before selecting a location, gauge how much sun various sections of your yard receive and take note of the sunniest spots. That’s where you’re going to want to lay the soil. Also be sure to consider how stable the location is. Is it prone to flooding during heavy rains? Is it protected from high winds?
Soil matters
Whether you clear a section of your current garden or create a brand new bed for your vegetables, soil health is important. The depth of your soil bed should be between 30 and 60 cm according to Terra Greenhouses Waterdown, which recommends its Plus 3 soil blend of black earth, manure and peat moss to fill or top your garden bed. It is enhanced with nutrients to help roots develop. You can also enrich soil with compost. Consider starting with a small plot size. The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends that beginners start with a 5 x 10 metre plot.
Selecting vegetables
Vegetables can be grown from seed or purchased as plants from your local garden centre and transplanted into your garden. Terra Greenhouses Waterdown says some vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplants are easier to start as plants. You can find out the best times to sow seeds outdoors in your region at The Old Farmer’s Alamanac website at www.almanc.com/gardening/ planting-calendar.
Vegetables with the highest success rate include tomatoes, zucchini, beans and squash according to Terra Greenhouses Waterdown.
When it’s time to plant seeds or seedlings, be sure to space crops properly. Review spacing guidelines on seed packets and plant tabs. If sowing seeds, choose high quality seed packets to ensure a higher chance of success.
Care for plants
Watering plants the correct amount will offer them the best chance for producing delicious, plump vegetables. You can save on watering by covering soil with a layer of organic mulch. A healthy plant has deep root penetration; and the best way to achieve that is by ensuring that water travels down deep. You may even want to water immediately after a light rainfall. Frequent, light watering or rain showers will not build enough water presence in the soil.
Fertilize your vegetables using a product specific to produce. Terra Greehouses recommends Miracle Grow Tomato Food as a great choice for novices. Simply follow the directions for quantity and frequency.
Following these simple tips will get you well on your way to enjoying a bounty of succulent, fresh produce through the summer months. You’ll find the experience rewarding and, undoubtedly, there will be no shortage of culinary delight as your vegetables show up in summer recipes.