Getting Started with Vegetable Gardening

1) Pick a garden spot

• At least 6 hours of sun
• Determine North side
• Good drainage
• First garden size – 10x10 maximum

2) Dig Garden

• Remove grass
• Remove weeds
• Loosen soil
• Fix pH – best 6.5 – 7
• Add organic matter
• Mix with spading fork
• Rake smooth
• Fence

3) Planting

SEEDS

• Make stakes with name and date planted
• Use line for straight rows

SEELINGS

• Firm soil around root ball
• Water & use transplant solution

 

4) Fertilizing
(organic-based vs. synthetic)

• Plants can not read
• Organic lasts longer
• Synthetic is fast feed
• More soil microbes with organic

 

5) Taking Care of the Garden

Most important requirements:

• Fertile soil
• Water (1inch/week)
• Mulching to prevent weeds
• Common sense pest control