How to Plant a Vegetable Garden
A backyard vegetable garden can satisfy your craving for fresh vegetables as well as sate your thirst for the feel of achievement as you grow your own food in the ways of our forefathers. Growing peppers, tomatoes and other vegetable in a backyard garden is simple enough if you are dedicated to establishing the garden and maintaining your plants carefully.
Till the Soil
Your first step to plant a vegetable garden is to find the proper patch of soil and remove all grass, rocks, and other obstacles. The ideal patch of ground should have at least six full hours of sunlight a day. The ground should be well drained with no chance of puddles after a rainstorm. You should also have good air circulation around the garden, but reduce the chances of strong wind that can break or dry out tender stalks.
Design the shape and size of the garden to suit your own preferences and abilities. Prepare the soil by breaking up chucks, adding compost and fertilizer, and removing debris before beginning. Consider surrounding your vegetable garden with a tall fence to keep out dogs, rabbits and other animals. The fence will also act as a trellis for tomatoes, beans or peas.
Plant the Vegetables
There are many options for what to plant in your vegetable garden, but the obvious choices will be vegetables enjoyed by your family. Water your garden thoroughly the day before you plant to give young plants the best shot at healthy development. Map out the locations of each plant in rows with tallest plants on the north side to avoid shade over small plants.
Plant each vegetable plant leaving space around it for future growth. Avoid overcrowding plants, and keep plants with similar growing seasons together. Plant bedding plants in holes slightly deeper than the plants had been growing in containers. Water before and after transplanting to ease the process.
Water, Weed, and Grow
As your vegetable garden grows, be sure to allow your plants at least one inch of water per week. You may have to give your garden extra water during dry spells. Mulch between rows to keep moisture in and to help eliminate weeds. Check your vegetable garden regularly to eliminate weeds and to spot pest problems. The earlier a problem is detected, the faster it can be dealt with. Enjoy your efforts!
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