Growing Vegetables in Gardens

Basic Recommendations for Growing Vegetables in Gardens

Choose a sunny spot. The vegetables need at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day.

Choose a location that has good drainage. The vegetables need to have a good drainage system.

Improve soil quality. Add organic fertilizers every time you plant to improve soil texture.

Create a compost pile or buy a mix and place it on the plant 20 cm (8 inches) above the ground.

Know what you have to plant and when you do so. It is essential to know the difference between the vegetables that need a cool climate and the heat they need so that you can plant in the right season. Consult the Farmers' Almanac if you are unsure about plant seasons.

Packets of seeds usually indicate the best time to plant. As transplants purchased in local stores or nurseries are only available when in season, you will have no major problems in knowing the best date for planting them.

Plant at the proper depth. It is easy to plant transplants too deep. If you do, the stems can rot.

Use a trowel to make a hole deep enough so that the top of the transplant root ball is level with the soil surface. Tomatoes are an exception. They can be planted in deeper because they take root along the stem, but remove the lower leaves first.

Fertilize and water vegetables on a regular basis. Vegetables need a lot of water and proper nutrients to develop the appropriate size and flavor. Use an incesticide if pests are a problem.

Rotate plants. If growing vegetables in garden in the same place year after year, the insects that spend most of their life cycle in the soil can developand reach damaging proportions underground. The rotation of crops helps reduce the pests and insects that live underground.