Grow Your Own: A Vegetable Garden How-To Guide

How to Grow a Vegetable Garden: A Beginner's Guide to Fruits & Veggies. Fruits And Veggies More Matters.org

Your Guide to Homegrown Fruits & Veggies 

The days are getting longer, you’ve put your heavy coat away for another year and that frozen tundra out back is beginning to resemble your yard again. That’s right … spring is finally here and that means it’s time to get your home garden going!

March and April are typically the best months to begin your vegetable garden as this is the time when the “last frost” occurs in most parts of the country. The last frost date will vary depending on your location but it’s important to use it as a guideline. If the soil is too cold, germination (early growth of the seeds) is slowed; this makes the seeds vulnerable to fungus and other diseases.

Kids in the Garden

 

3 Steps: Planning, Preparing and Planting Your Vegetable Garden
Step 1: Planning
To have that lush garden full of delicious fruits and veggies when summer rolls around, you’ve got to make sure your seeds have the best possible growing environment. More
Step 2: Preparation
Now that you have the perfect plan, it’s time to get in touch with your garden – literally! Loosen the soil with a garden rake, hoe or shovel and add some kind of organic matter to the existing ground. More

Step 3: Planting
Now you’re ready to begin planting. Different plants require different depths in the soil but generally, plant seeds at a depth that is twice their diameter. Following this rule, you’ll find that the smallest seeds will be planted just beneath the surface. More

 

 

Vegetable Gardening: What You Should Be Doing … and When

Hosted by our expert gardener, these timely suggestions will guide you through harvesting particular fruits and veggies during certain times. Topics will include harvesting, planting, fertilizing, thinning and watering. Visit often to keep up-to-date and get reminders. More

 

Reaping the Benefits from Your Vegetable Garden

While it takes a little effort to maintain, gardening can be a great family activity. Sharing the effort while spending time together will make it easier and more fun! Plus, you’ll be surprised at how much more interest your kids will have in eating those fruits and veggies when they’ve been involved in growing them! More

 

Kids in the Garden
Gardening benefits kids’ health and well-being as well as their attitudes towards learning and the environment. It captures their interest, gives them a sense of pride in their accomplishments, and introduces them to healthful foods. More

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Your Vegetable Garden

Why do leaves curl on tomato plants?
Should I put grass clippings in the garden?
Can the bigger leaves be cut from a growing cabbage plant?
What color are potatoes?
What should the depth of a raised bed be to grow corn, potatoes and beans?
What vegetables can I grow in the shade?
What’s the best way to control weeds?
How often should a vegetable garden be watered?
How long does it take to grow a watermelon?
How do I grow jicama?
Are dry northern beans susceptible to pest infestation?
How do I stop birds and insects from eating my broccoli?

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