Not only are vegetables good for you, ripe produce plucked from your own vegetable plants is more flavorful and much fresher than that found in the grocery store. Growing vegetables doesn't take a degree in horticulture. With a few tips and a little patience, you'll be harvesting your own delicious vegetables this summer.
Select the Right Location
Most vegetable plants require full sun to grow robust, healthy produce. While it's nice to have a garden spot in your yard, the Centers for Disease Control suggests container gardening for urban dwellers. The Garden Helper, an online educational website, recommends a spot close to your house that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Your container or garden spot should be close to a water source and protected from strong winds.
The Right Soil
Not all soil is conducive to growing vegetables. If you have clay soil or another heavy soil that holds water and resists drainage, correct it before planting. If you're not sure what kind of soil you have, take a cupful to your local county extension agent and request an analysis. To lighten your soil, add organic matter, such as composted manure, peat moss or humus. Work the organic matter into the soil by tilling repeatedly and raking, before planting.
Plant Seedlings for a Quick Garden
Many vegetables grow well from seeds, but you'll get a quicker harvest if you plant seedlings. You can purchase tomato, pepper, broccoli, cabbage and numerous other seedlings, or you can start them indoors six to eight weeks before planting them outside. The University of Arizona Extension Agency advises gardeners to transplant their seedlings outdoors on a shady day to reduce the risk of wilting.
Control Weeds
After planting your seedlings or sowing your seeds, you may end up with more plants than you bargained for. Weeds are unwelcome guests in the vegetable garden. Pull weeds when they're small to prevent their roots from competing with your vegetables for valuable nutrients. For weed control in a large area, apply a pre-emergent weed formula directly to your garden soil. A pre-emergent formula prevents new weed seeds from sprouting, but it will also prevent vegetable seeds from sprouting, so use it only after your vegetable plants are growing.
Water Needs
Your vegetable plants need plenty of water to grow. The Garden Helper suggests giving your plants at least 1 inch of water every week and more during dry spells. Conserve water by putting mulch around the vegetable plants to reduce moisture evaporation from the soil. You may also use black plastic or landscape fabric to retain more moisture and cut down on watering.
Pests
Frequent examination of your vegetable plants allows you to discover pests before they damage your crop. Pesticides, designed for use on vegetables, are available in garden centers. The Garden Helper advises using commercial pesticides as soon as you discover a bug problem for the best results.
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