One of the greatest rewards of homegrown vegetables is the garden-fresh flavor that just can't be matched by supermarket produce. Vegetable gardening is a rewarding pastime enjoyed by novices and gardening experts throughout the United States. Although planting times and conditions vary by region, certain gardening basics are the same no matter where you live.
Planning the Garden
A successful vegetable garden begins with good planning. Before planting, design your garden on paper, grouping vegetables by season and allowing space for tall plants or spreading vines. Consider what type of vegetables your family enjoys and decide how many types you want to grow. Factors to consider when planning the garden include the space available and the amount of time and work you are willing to spend. Will the work fall to one person or will it be shared by the whole family? Do you have a hectic schedule that keeps you away from home frequently? If your time is limited, a small, well-tended garden often yields better results than an overly ambitious, unkempt one.
Site Selection and Preparation
Most herbs and vegetables require about six to eight hours of sun daily to thrive. Select a site that is near enough to the house to be convenient but well away from trees, bushes or other objects that may cast excessive shade. An available water source nearby is important. Most vegetables prefer moist, well-drained organic soil. If the soil is dry, sandy or heavy in clay, work in organic material such as compost or peat moss before planting. A raised bed is often a good solution for soil that is compacted or rocky. Container gardening is a good alternative for small yards. In addition, containers can be moved to take advantage of the sun.
Plant Selection
Depending on your climate and the type of vegetables you select, you must decide whether to plant seeds directly in the garden or use transplants. Seedlings can be started indoors in the winter or purchased from a garden center in spring. In colder areas where planting times are later, transplanting seedlings helps to jump start the season. When purchasing plants, look for healthy, thick-stemmed specimens and avoid those with spindly stems or yellow, shriveled leaves. Purchase seeds from a reputable seed company and always use seeds packaged for the current year.
When to Plant
If you grow a variety of vegetables, your garden will probably not be planted at the same time. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and asparagus are cool-weather plants that grow best in early spring or fall. Warm-weather vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers should be planted when soil temperatures warm to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the length of your growing season, you may be able to extend your yield by planting successive crops. Check the frost-free dates for your area to determine when to plant your garden.
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