As warmer weather approaches, it's the perfect opportunity to fulfill that dream of starting your own vegetable garden! This quick guide is aimed towards beginners searching for a successful first harvest.
The key to a thriving garden follows a phrase that's all to familiar in real estate: location, location, location. Before the first seed is planted, a plan should be laid out as to where your garden will be located. The most vital elements to a lush garden are light, soil quality, drainage, size, and ease-of-access. And don't forget to consider the local wildlife!
Regarding light, the majority of vegetables require 6-8 hours of full sun each day to produce a bountiful crop. You'll want your garden to face west or south for best results. Large or tall plants should be located on the north side to prevent them from blocking sunlight.
Soil quality can make or break any garden. Don't fret if your soil isn't rich and loamy, however. It is possible to improve hard, dry soil with compost, manure, and other organic material to turn the area into a great potential garden spot. A raised bed/box can help too!
Without proper drainage, roots can become waterlogged and diseased, resulting in sparse fruit production. Low-lying areas should be avoided, while flat or slightly sloped spots should be prioritized.
The size of your garden should be determined by the amount of vegetables you wish to grow. Drawing your garden to scale on graph paper can help you ensure there is enough space for all your plants.
You'll want to select a space in your yard that is easy to access for both watering and harvesting. Weeding your garden is nearly as important as watering, and a garden that is out-of-reach could become bothersome to maintain.
Finally, if you live in an area with active wildlife, a proper fence (or chicken wire) can save your garden from all those little uninvited critters.
Once you have your garden's location settled, the next step is selecting its vegetables. Low maintenance vegetables include beets, carrots, lettuce, beans, kale, summer squash, and zucchini. Make sure you choose vegetables that you will enjoy eating! We strongly suggest doing some more research as to which vegetables you select; some plants are picky, others are not!
Cultivating a garden can be a fun and rewarding experience! With careful planning, proper maintenance, and a little patience, you can create a beautiful garden that produces for years to come. Happy Gardening!
Local Garden Supply Stores:
Guy's Farm and Yard - 21 Zephyr Rd, Williston, VT 05495
Gardener's Supply Company - 472 Marshall Ave, Williston, VT 05495
Claussen's Florist - 187 Main St, Colchester, VT 05446
Full Circle Gardens - 68 Brigham Hill Rd, Essex Junction, VT 05452
Paquette Full of Posies - 10236 Williston Rd, Williston, VT 05495
Creative Gardens and Landscaping - 113 VT-15, Jericho, VT 05465
Evergreen Gardens of Vermont - 15 Cabin Ln, Waterbury Center, VT 05677
Horsford Gardens - 2111 Greenbush Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445
Header Social