Green Home Living: Growing Your Own Vegetable Garden

As the world population continues to grow, we are becoming increasingly aware of our limited resources. Preserving our planet for future generations has suddenly moved nearer to the top of our collective priority list.

“Going green” is not just a buzz word. Creating and living an ecologically sensible lifestyle can benefit our personal environment in countless ways. This is especially true when it comes to growing a vegetable garden at home. We can improve the appearance of our yard and the health of our family by joining the “green revolution.”

Starting your own vegetable garden is not difficult, but it does require effort. Anyone can grow their own vegetables, even with limited gardening knowledge, but a little green education can insure a successful harvest. Follow the guide below to start a green revolution right in your own back yard!

Choosing Your Site

You may be limited by the availability of adequate space for your garden plot, but you can reap a bountiful harvest from even the smallest scrap of soil. Gardening in pots is also an option, particularly if you are an urban dweller.

You should pick a spot that remains sunny throughout the day, but does not reflect extreme heat into your garden from walls or other surfaces. Close proximity to a water source will minimize your work load. Your best location should have good air circulation, but be protected from high winds. Good drainage and fertile soil are other good garden attributes.

Creating Good Soil

The soil at your chosen site may already be adequate to produce crops. However, many soils require the addition of organic matter to loosen their consistency for adequate root growth. The addition of well-rotted organic matter, such as manure or other organic waste will also allow your soil to retain more moisture. Hard soils or those containing large amounts of clay or rock must be worked and amended for proper plant development. Commercial fertilizers may also be helpful. You may want to have your soil pH tested to determine the best type of fertilizer. The type of vegetables you wish to plant can also help determine the type of amendment your soil needs.

Choosing Vegetable Varieties and Planning Your Plot

You will find that making a drawing of your prospective garden will help you to design the best garden layout. Pay particular attention to your chosen plants’ growth habit. You will need more space for vegetables that have large or spreading habits, like melons or pumpkins. Some plants, like peas or some tomato varieties will require a trellis or fence for their climbing forms to flourish. Plan to sow your tallest crops at the northern edge of your space to allow adequate sunlight for shorter plants. You will want to choose varieties that grow well in your area. Make certain that your regional growing season is long enough to allow your vegetables to adequately mature.

Planting Your Garden

Make note of when seeds should be planted or young plants set out to avoid frost or bolting. Seed packets will contain this information, in addition to depth and watering requirements. You may want to start some seeds inside, particularly if you have a short growing season. You may be able to sow successive plantings of rapidly maturing crops, like radishes.

Maintaining Your Garden

Water regularly and watch your crops mature. Thinning plants, controlling weeds and pests, and harvesting your bounty will keep you busy for the rest of the season.

About the Author – This article is written  by Christine Miller in behalf of
http://www.iowacityrealestate.com/. Christine has written several topics in the past about  home improvement, lifestyle, health and wellness.