In addition vegetable gardening offers a good source of exercise with the added benefits of healthy snacks and food for the table.
Growing a vegetable garden.
Containers should have ample holes to allow for adequate drainage and be sized correctly for the particular plant.
The first step to growing a healthy garden is marking off exactly where you want the beds to go.
Here are some tips for a good size beginner vegetable garden that can feed a family of four for one summer with a little leftover for canning and freezing or giving away to jealous neighbors.
Yet just as crucial for growing vegetables is making the most of your garden space.
You ll get plenty of fresh produce for your summer meals and it will be easy to keep up with the chores.
Select up to five types of vegetables to grow and plant a few of each type.
We show you how with ideas to integrate edibles into the yard called edible landscaping.
We experience satisfaction in planting a seed or transplant watching it grow to maturity and harvesting the fruits of our labors.
Whether you re ready to plant your first crops or have been growing food for years you ll find new ideas to keep you going and growing.
If you re planting in an area already used for spring and summer crops be careful to remove all dead or diseased plant matter including roots.
A good size for a beginner s vegetable garden is 10x10 feet about the size of a small bedroom.
The location of your garden the amount of sunlight it receives proximity to a source of water and protection from frost and wind is important.
The rows should run north and south to take full advantage of the sun.
Plant your garden in an area where it will get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
In florida fall is an excellent time to start a vegetable garden.
Vegetable gardening is becoming more popular both as a pastime and a food source.
Shallow and rooted greens may only need about a two inch depth but deep rooted tomatoes will need at least 12 inches of soil.
Cool season vegetables to plant in october include broccoli lettuce carrots brussels sprouts and radishes.
Consider these suggestions for growing vegetables indoors.
Leafy vegetables such as lettuce and mustard or spinach greens can get by with less sun so plant your garden accordingly.
There s no reason to keep your vegetables separate from the rest of the garden.