Spending all this time at home has had various effects on people. Some finish all their Netflix series and then some. Others get obsessed about their fitness and do intense workouts. Some people max out their credit cards buying things they don’t really need. Others try out every recipe they can get their hands on. Whatever it is their doing, it’s mostly just to pass this ridiculous amount of free time they now find themselves having.
But this time could be spent doing more productive things, too, like starting your own vegetable garden. Don’t you know how? Don’t worry; this blog is going to tell you all about it.
Why Start a Vegetable Garden
Vegetable gardening is an excellent way to spend your time because it’s good for the environment, for your wallet, and for your body. If you’ve never had garden-fresh vegetables before, it’s absolutely life-changing. The sweetness, juiciness, and vibrancy of fresh produce are next to none.
Where to Start It
So you have a small patch of land—a yard or a flower garden. Now, you have to pick the right spot for your garden. Without the ideal spot, your vegetables may not grow as best as they can.
You’d want somewhere sunny. Many plants need about six hours of direct sunlight every day. There are only very few vegetables that can live in the shade.
Well-drained soil is also ideal. If water pools occur in your soil, you can plant those vegetables in a raised bed. You’ll have to till and remove debris if your soil is rocky.
Try to avoid areas where there are strong winds or foot traffic. The area must be as stable as possible for the plants not to get knocked over and the pollinators to do their thing.
How to Build Your Vegetable Garden
Starting small is the best approach. A smaller batch can get you accustomed to the gardening ins and outs and can help you focus on the details of your project. It also ensures that no produce will go to waste. Plant only what you can eat.
Running your rows from north to south will help your plants take full advantage of the sunlight. Space them in such a way that you can access each plant so that you can water and weed.
Pest control is also something to consider. Make sure that either you or a professional applies only EPA-approved solutions to your garden.
What Vegetables to Grow in Your Garden
Here are the ten most popular vegetables for the garden:
- Zucchini
- Carrots
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Chard
- Bush beans
- Radishes
- Beets
- Cabbage
- Peppers
If you’re having a hard time deciding on the right plant, there are some considerations that can help. First, of course, is the kind of vegetables your family likes. There’s really not much point to planting something that no one in the house eats.
You should also consider which vegetables might be available in the grocery store. When starting small, it’s best to pick the ones you like to eat but are difficult to find fresh in the store.
When to Do All This
Some vegetables are seasonal. Once you pick your specific plant or plants, you can do your research about when the perfect time is to start. Some plants mature quickly, and you’ll need to harvest them sooner. Some may take as long as 70 days. You should also water these plants in the cooler times of day so that you won’t lose more water to evaporation.
