Vegetable gardening involves selecting a plot of land, preparing the soil, picking the plants, putting the seeds in the ground, planting a seedling, and then nurturing the crops until they’re ready for harvesting. The end result is rich organic produce to enjoy, share, or sell to family and friends. Vegetable gardening can be an enjoyable and productive experience for anyone willing to put in a bit of time each day or even a few times each week to properly cultivate the plants. This article provides some basic tips and techniques for planting vegetables.
When it comes to growing vegetables, one of the most important factors to consider is where you are planting the crops. If you live in a small apartment, you probably won’t be able to grow a very large garden; on the other hand, if you live in a large house with a lot of space, a sprawling backyard garden will be a lot easier to manage. When it comes to vegetable gardens that are successful, location is everything. Here are a few simple guidelines for helping you determine which area will produce the best crops.
First, plant your seeds in a healthy soil. Make sure that the area has good drainage and the structure of the soil is supportive of the seed. If the soil is sandy, your crop rotation should occur during the late spring or early summer, and the area should be watered prior to planting. If the soil is clay-like, a late fall sowing should be sufficient, but ensure that the area is also watered prior to planting.
Second, pick a variety of bulbs, allowing approximately three inches of room between them for development. Bulbs are the easiest vegetables to grow, and they will generally be the most productive in a garden. However, keep in mind that they do require more watering than vegetables requiring a more fertile soil. The cool-season bulbs are those that are generally most fragrant; these include peaches, pears, apricots, cherries, nectarines, persimmons, limes, raspberries, strawberries and sweet peas. The warm-season vegetables include all the vegetables commonly found in the summer; these include green beans, tomatoes, potatoes, squash, sweet peas, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.
Next, pick a variety of beans depending on whether you will grow them indoors or out. There are mainly three types of beans: kidney, black and Lima bean. Choose the variety of beans that is most appropriate for your region, keeping in mind that cooking makes a significant difference in the beans’ flavors. Lima beans, for example, have a milder flavor than most other varieties.
Then there is the soil. It is important to make sure that the area you choose has good soil that can retain moisture and nutrients. The best vegetables grown in rich soils have big leaves that come up in the spring, with small blooms that bloom late in the year. In intensive cropping, you can supplement plantings with artificial seed mixes, compost, manure, rocks or other materials to add nitrogen and phosphate to the soil.
The next step is to prepare the area for planting. One option is to go with traditional methods of gardening by planting rows of vegetables. Another choice is to go with raised beds, especially if you prefer vegetables with lower growth patterns. Raised beds have the advantage that they allow you to plant at different heights. However, if you live in a colder climate, you will probably want to opt for container gardens to protect the roots of your vegetables.
When you have selected the type of vegetables you want, you must also prepare the soil and add the compost to it. While the actual work of planting and growing vegetables can be done quickly, the fun comes from watching the plants grow. Be sure that the vegetables have plenty of sunlight and water and that the area is well-drained. Finally, be prepared to tend to the plants as they grow.