Veggie Gardening 101

 Spring is in the air! That means it is time to start getting your garden ready. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered!

The most important part of your garden is its location. The majority of vegetables need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. More sun=bigger harvest=bigger veggies=better taste! In addition, be sure to use the right soil for the job. Using a soft loamy soil enriched with compost will provide your plants with the nutrition they need to prosper. Be sure your garden is also in a stable environment, meaning it isn’t going to flood when it rains, the wind isn’t going to knock them over, and they aren’t going to dry out easily.

Once you have your garden mapped out, it is time to plant! Here are a few suggestions to get started:

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are great for eating straight off the vine, mixing with a salad or even pickling. If you are looking to grow cucumbers this season, be sure to plant them in rich soil in the spring and water regularly. Also, be sure that they are planted in full sun to ensure your plant prospers.

Tomatoes

What is a garden without tomato plants? With such a wide variety of tomatoes available to grow, there is sure to be at least one for you! They generally need a long growing season with a lot of heat and full sun, 6-8 hours a day as a minimum. It is best to plant tomatoes as soon as the weather starts to warm up in the spring.

Peppers

Whether you are a fan of sweet or hot, peppers are a wonderful addition to your garden. They are great to grown alongside tomatoes and eggplants because they have similar requirements for growing—full sun, rich soil and lots of water.

Zucchini Squash

Like tomatoes, squash also has a long growing season, so it is best to plant them once the weather starts to warm in the spring. Be sure they are planted where they can get plenty of sun and be sure to give them a lot of water.

Melons

Cantaloupes are one of the most popular melon varieties because not only are they easy to grow, but they also ripen fast. Melons prosper when planted in full sun and in sandy loam soil, which should be kept moist between waterings as they are rather sensitive to drought. They need a lot of water until they begin to bear fruit to encourage growth.