What You Need to Know to Build a Vegetable Garden
If you have ever wanted to build a vegetable garden, you might be surprised to find out how easy it is to do.
Start small.
You don't need an area larger than 10 feet by 10 feet, and you can get more than you think out of a garden as small as 6 feet by 6 feet.
If space is a challenge, consider a circular, L-shaped, or V-shaped plot, or even a strip of ground along a fence or driveway.
The important thing is to make sure the planting area receives full, direct sunlight.
Take some time to think out and plan your planting area.
Sketch out a scale map based on the actual measurements of the plot.
That way you will know how much soil and how may plants you will need, and where to place each plant.
Don't be put off by the thought of constructing raised beds.
They have important benefits for your garden, and are not difficult to create.
Raised beds make it easier to till and aerate the soil, and they limit water run-off.
Simple box frames made from used lumber such as old fence posts and panels will work well.
Cutting the bottoms out of old planting boxes can work well too, especially in small spaces.
Also, you can find relatively inexpensive kits these days, as well as flexible materials to fit odd-shaped plots.
Selecting what to plant is most easily done with the advice of your local nursery staff.
The folks at the nursery will know what vegetables grow well in your area, and what plants are in season.
You might be able to grow some vegetables from seed, or even develop seedlings indoors to be transplanted.
But in most cases, your best bet is to select veggies from the nursery that are ready to be transplanted.
Your friendly nursery staff will be able to help you select good soil and compost.
Break up ground soil with a shovel and hoe, and then mix in the soil and compost to fill your beds.
You will want to till the soil to a depth of at least 8 to 10 inches, or at least 12 inches if you are growing tomatoes.
As you till, break up big clumps with your hands, and clear out any rocks or twigs you run across.
Follow the directions on the labels, and the advice of your nursery experts, to plant your vegetables.
Be sure to label the planting areas so you know where everything is planted.
You may want to stagger the planting over the course of several weeks to lengthen your eventual harvest time.
After the initial planting, water the plot thoroughly.
If you planted anything from seed, take care not to wash the seeds away.
After the first watering, you will need to water thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on your local climate and temperature.
Consult your nursery staff for local watering tips.
You might experience some ups and downs during the course of any season, but ultimately the rewards of the harvest will make it all worthwhile.
As you enjoy the fresh produce from your yard, you will wonder why you didn't decide to build a vegetable garden sooner.
Start small.
You don't need an area larger than 10 feet by 10 feet, and you can get more than you think out of a garden as small as 6 feet by 6 feet.
If space is a challenge, consider a circular, L-shaped, or V-shaped plot, or even a strip of ground along a fence or driveway.
The important thing is to make sure the planting area receives full, direct sunlight.
Take some time to think out and plan your planting area.
Sketch out a scale map based on the actual measurements of the plot.
That way you will know how much soil and how may plants you will need, and where to place each plant.
Don't be put off by the thought of constructing raised beds.
They have important benefits for your garden, and are not difficult to create.
Raised beds make it easier to till and aerate the soil, and they limit water run-off.
Simple box frames made from used lumber such as old fence posts and panels will work well.
Cutting the bottoms out of old planting boxes can work well too, especially in small spaces.
Also, you can find relatively inexpensive kits these days, as well as flexible materials to fit odd-shaped plots.
Selecting what to plant is most easily done with the advice of your local nursery staff.
The folks at the nursery will know what vegetables grow well in your area, and what plants are in season.
You might be able to grow some vegetables from seed, or even develop seedlings indoors to be transplanted.
But in most cases, your best bet is to select veggies from the nursery that are ready to be transplanted.
Your friendly nursery staff will be able to help you select good soil and compost.
Break up ground soil with a shovel and hoe, and then mix in the soil and compost to fill your beds.
You will want to till the soil to a depth of at least 8 to 10 inches, or at least 12 inches if you are growing tomatoes.
As you till, break up big clumps with your hands, and clear out any rocks or twigs you run across.
Follow the directions on the labels, and the advice of your nursery experts, to plant your vegetables.
Be sure to label the planting areas so you know where everything is planted.
You may want to stagger the planting over the course of several weeks to lengthen your eventual harvest time.
After the initial planting, water the plot thoroughly.
If you planted anything from seed, take care not to wash the seeds away.
After the first watering, you will need to water thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on your local climate and temperature.
Consult your nursery staff for local watering tips.
You might experience some ups and downs during the course of any season, but ultimately the rewards of the harvest will make it all worthwhile.
As you enjoy the fresh produce from your yard, you will wonder why you didn't decide to build a vegetable garden sooner.
