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Tips For Growing Vegetables In Your Garden

By: Author Jeff Campbell

Posted on Last updated:

Categories Guest Posts

There really is nothing finer than growing and picking vegetables in your garden. Being able to pick something that’s so fresh is incredible. Not only do you know the vegetables are fresh you know they’re going to taste good.

Below, you can find some tips that can help you to grow vegetables in your garden.

Consider The Location

Most vegetables will grow very well in full sun. If an area of your garden gets at least 6 hours of sun a day, consider growing vegetables there.

Make sure you buy a hose long enough to reach your vegetables. Alternatively, you could use the best drip irrigation kits around to keep your garden watered all the time.

Consider The Soil

A lot of people assume that it’s OK to grow vegetables in any soil. However:

  • Some soils contain more nutrients than others
  • Some soils need a lot of care and attention
  • Other soils may be full of debris such as bricks and stones

Knowing the condition of your soil can help you to improve it if needs be. Consider adding compost to your soil so it has the right nutrients.

Be Careful About Watering

When it comes to watering your vegetables, you should avoid over-watering them. Your vegetables will typically need around 1 inch of water a week. This is usually sufficient to keep them moist.

Take a look at any packaging that comes with the seeds you plant. There will be watering instructions on it. Some vegetables may need more water than others. However, about an inch a week is usually enough for most.

Try Not To Use Too Much Fertilizer

If you choose to add fertilizer to the soil, be careful.

Fertilizer should make up around 20% of the soil. Always follow the instructions so you know how much to add.

You don’t always have to add fertilizer if your soil is good.

However, a little fertilizer can help your vegetables to get the nutrients they need.

Tend To Your Vegetables Frequently

One of the best things that you can do is to tend to your vegetables frequently. The more attention you give your vegetables the better they are likely to grow. When you tend to your vegetables you can spot any weeds coming through. You can also tell whether they need watering.

Try to tend to your vegetables at least every 2-3 days. When you do, you’re more likely to have vegetables that are healthy and grow well.

Understand That Not All Seeds Will Germinate

Anyone who has experience growing vegetables and fruits knows not all seeds will germinate. Some seeds will refuse to germinate, some will germinate a little and fail to grow.

You should account for around 25% of your seeds not germinating. This means sowing a few more seeds makes sense.

Many producers of seeds know not all seeds will grow. This is why they may add quite a few to their seed packets.

Add Some Mulch

Adding some mulch to your garden is a good idea. Mulch can:

  • Help to protect your vegetables against weeds
  • Help your vegetables to get the nutrients they need
  • Help to protect your vegetables against the frost
  • Help your garden to look a little tidier
  • Help the soil to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter

Mulch can typically be found for sale at garden centers. Just make sure you buy enough so you can add a 3 inch layer around your plants.

Try To Avoid Using Insecticides

If you can, try to avoid using insecticides.

Nature is usually very good at helping to get rid of insects. Only a very small percentage of insects are harmful to your garden.

If you have to use insecticides use them sparingly.

Apply the insecticides in the evening or late on in the day. The later you apply insecticides the less likely you are to harm beneficial insects.

Use companion plants rather than insecticides, if you can.

Plants such as these help to attract insects away from your vegetables. Marigolds, for example, are ideal for companion planting.

Use these tips to help you to grow vegetables in your garden. When you do, you’re more likely to find that you have some success. Pay attention to your vegetables and let them get enough sunlight and moisture.

When you pick your first home grown vegetables and take a bit of them you’ll find there’s nothing finer. Happy growing!

 

Jeff Campbell
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