Guide on Starting a Vegetable Garden

Starting your vegetable garden is a fun and rewarding experience.  You only need to find good soil and a few seeds or seedlings to start this new project.  However, if you want to become a successful gardener, you need to understand the different things you need to do to keep your vegetable garden from thriving.  

 

Soil Feeding

Soil feeding is one of the most crucial parts of gardening; you need to know which nutrient and mineral you need to add to the soil periodically to maximize your vegetables' growth potential.  Adding organic matters to the bed is highly recommended.  Organic matters, such as animal manure, shredded leaves, and chipped woods, will continue to release nitrogen as they degrade. As we all know, nitrogen is essential for the growth of plants.  However, it will take 4-6 months before the plants use the minerals. 

 

Efficiently Using Your Space

 

When you locate the perfect spot, you need to consider many things, such as its proximity to the source of water, the amount of sunlight it receives, and the level of protection against wind and frost.   Most people will dream about an ample available space to start growing all things they want.  However, no matter how large or small your vegetable garden may be, it is essential to use the area wisely.

 

Row Planting Vs. Raised Bed

 

To maximize your space, it is time to convert your vegetable garden from the traditional rows to the raised bed.  Row planting can be efficiently used in large farms using equipment for cultivating, planting, and harvesting.  If you are starting a vegetable garden in your home yard, row planting may not be a perfect choice.  In addition, raised beds also require less effort and experience less soil compaction. 

 

Growing Up

 

 

Of course, if you are planning to grow the highest number of vegetables possible, you need to grow vegetables that require vertical supports, such as pole beans and peas.   You can also start to grow vine crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers.    Aside from that, it would be best to perform crop rotation where you create a plan for your garden on a different growing season.  It will ensure that the exact nutrients needed by the plant will not be depleted.  It can also prevent the propagation of particular insects, pathogens, or pests lurking in your vegetable garden.

 

Watering

 

Some people may think that watering your plants is too simple, but it is actually one of the most complex parts of gardening.  For your seedlings, you need to keep them moist to soften the seed coat and promote the growth of the new plants.  The newly transplanted plant also requires a healthy supply of water until its root becomes firmly attached to the soil.  After that, the amount of watering will highly depend upon the humidity.   Be sure to water deeply and slowly; this will ensure that the water will soak within and not runoff.

 

When starting with your own backyard garden, remember the tips written above to make this experience enjoyable and hassle-free.