How To Plant Your Own Vegetable Garden

Vegetable Selection Selecting vegetables is likely the hardest task gardeners face. With all of the unique and colorful varieties, narrowing them down is not easy. Browse through seed catalogs or websites to identify vegetables that your family eats regularly such as tomato plants, cucumbers, lettuce, squash and peppers. Those with more space, can try growing watermelons, potatoes, corn seeds or okra seeds. Include a few heirloom varieties, which have not been modified for taste or appearance. They may look odd, but heirlooms often have a far superior taste. Finally, read the plant information carefully to ensure that the vegetables can thrive in your climate. Seeds or Seedlings Starting seeds indoors allows gardeners to jump start the growing season while temperatures are still cold. Fill seed flats or peat pots with seed starting mix and press seeds no more than ¼ to ½ inch into it. Plan to start corn seeds and okra seeds early, as seedlings aren’t commonly available. Gardeners with limited indoor space often opt to purchase seedlings. Tomato plants, squash and a variety of other seedlings take over garden centers each spring. Simply look for the largest plants possible that have a firm, green appearance. Proper Planting Techniques Till the top 6 inches of your garden plot to create a soft, loose bed for your plants. Set the plant pots on top of the soil and arrange them in a layout that is aesthetically pleasing. Refer to the seed packets or plants labels to determine the spacing requirements for each plant, and shift the pots to achieve the spacing. Place taller plants, such as corn or tomatoes, near the back of your plot. Place smaller ones, like lettuce, near the front. Keep in mind that some vegetables, such as watermelons and potatoes, require more space. Dig holes that are no deeper than the root system of each plant, and place the roots into the center of each hole. Gently backfill the hole with soil and pat the top down gently. Water the garden well to give your plants a new start, and then dream of the bountiful harvest you will have later. Buy affordable garden perennials and plants click here