Planting a vegetable garden can be rewarding not only because of the exercise you’ll get, but for the vegetables themselves. One of the best benefits of planting your own vegetables is to make sure they are pesticide free.
Vegetable gardens are typically easier to maintain than flower gardens because vegetables are more resilient, especially in different types of weathers. Flowers are typically more delicate to changes in the weather, and don’t adapt as easily. Although some vegetables can grow in plant boxes, a vegetable garden usually requires a lot of space. It depends on what you expect from your vegetable garden and what kind of vegetables you want.
The most traditional planting style involves planting vegetables in straight rows. Some people prefer to plant alternating rows of different types of vegetables so that when one type of vegetable is about to be harvested, the rows in between them have vegetables that are not yet in season. Having to stomp between rows can quickly damage the structure of the soil.
Though planting is rows is traditional, many people today plant vegetable gardens in beds. Your beds must be layed out to allow you to reach each row to pull weeds. Beds can also be raised a bit higher off the ground so that the heat will be kept inside longer during cold weather. It also makes for a good drainage system around the beds.
When you combine vegetables with flowers and herbs in your garden it is referred to as the potager style of planting.
If you are trying to grow a vegetable garden in a small amount of space try using plant boxes. Vegetables will need a lot of sunlight and open spaces. The more garden area you have the more vegetables you can grow.
Preparing the soil for your garden is very important. It doesn’t matter whether you plan to raise vegetables in a small plot of land or in a plant box. You must properly prepare your soil. There are two kinds of soil, sandy or clay-like. Silt is a fine mixture of both. Your soil will retain water better and absorb water faster if it has clay particles mixed with the sand. Having sand in the soil is important because it not only aids the water flow, but also helps air get to the roots so they can breathe.
The best soil for your vegetable garden consists of a balance of clay, sand and silt. Ideally, it should be 40% silt, 40% sand, and 20% clay. Test your soil by scooping up a handful and try to form it into a ball. Your soil should remain moist so that it retains its shape if you push on it.
Vegetable gardens require patience. Take your time to experiment with different types of soil and vegetable mixtures to you get one that works for you. It is very rewarding to enjoy eating home grown vegetables.
