Thinking of growing your own vegetables? There's very little to compare with the joy of gathering harvest from your own vegetable garden and eating it fresh! Add a selection of herbs and some tomato plants and you are growing a feast to delight a king.
Where in your garden should you have your vegetable bed? Find a spot that has good sunlight and, ideally, is conveniently near the kitchen. When selecting the area be aware of shadow from buildings, walls, trees, etc. Your food plants need at least six hours of direct sun per day to yield a satisfying crop. Some days will be sunnier than others but aim of a minimum of six hours of full sun on average. Water drainage is important as soil that is too wet can cause the vegetables to rot in the ground.
You may have to compromise on convenience, sometimes proximity to the kitchen is not the deciding factor. Should the soil itself not be generous or suitable do not lose heart. You can, of course, always improve on poor ground by buying soil and adding your own home made kitchen and garden compost.
Plants need fresh air around their leaves but if you live in a particularly windy part of the country protect your vegetables from strong winds. Special fencing is available as a windbreak. Too much wind tends to dry out the plant; it can also break the delicate stems.
Keep an eye on your vegetables as they grow. They love being nurtured. In dry weather, keep them well watered as they can wilt easily. They will need approximately an inch of water per week, especially during the fruiting season.
Notice if they are being attacked by pests and if so use an organic spray before too much damage is done.
You probably already have an idea of what vegetables you want to grow based on your family preferences. A good variety is pleasing and fun to grow. You will need to give more space to favored foods. Some vegetable seedlings benefit from being given a start indoors while others need to be sown directly where they are expected to grow.
Watching your vegetables grow is delightful, anticipating the delicious experience of enjoying them at the table. Watering is of prime importance, keeping them moist. Mulching helps retain moisture if placed in between rows. Mulching also provides a convenient pathway as you tend and harvest your crop.
Mike Ward here: Did you find this article useful? You'll find a lot more information about planning and creating a new garden and how to maintain it here... http://GardenMaintenance.WardInfoNet.com
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