The Veggies of a Home Garden

Good Thursday Morning/Afternoon!  After a small snow storm the other day we are back into the 70's and enjoying beautiful weather....how fickle spring weather can be.  I knew that living in Colorado the weather could change in a moment, but a 60 degree change in less than 24 hours---yikes!  Thank goodness, I hadn't planted anything yet!  I was just thinking yesterday that I have spent more time in the garden this year then all of my time combined last year.  Many of you might think that a vegetable garden takes a lot of effort and although it takes a little up-keep, it's actually does not require that much work!


Here are a few steps to a successful garden!

1.  Wisely use the H20-Vegetable plants need about 1 inch of water per week.  How ever you choose to irrigate ( love that word since my husband is a master of irrigation!) make sure it's at the soil level.  The point is to keep the foliage dry to help lessen the chance of diseases.  The best way is using soaker hoses or drip irrigation lines.   When using these types of irrigation it helps distribute water evenly and slowly to the roots.  Now water to your hearts content!!!!


2.  Give'm Some Sun-Vegetable plants love'm some sun.  They actually thrive best in full sun.  The best location would be a place that gets at least 6 hours of sun each day.  While planting think of putting corn, tomatoes or pole beans on the north or west side, so they do not shade the smaller plants.

3.  Feel Your Dirt-The perfect mix of soil will bind together when squeezed by hand, but will break apart when disturbed.  Veggies like soil with lots of compost with organic matter---which includes, yes I'm about to say it...Manure!    Remember the more microorganisms the better food your plants will be getting.

4.  Shoo Fly, Don't Bother Me My Veggies-At some point pest are usually gonna happen, but nature typically will take care of the problem.  Especially if you have done the above steps.  If the problem consists and you determine you need a insecticide then apply responsibly--only late in the day.  If you were to apply in the morning the likelihood of killing the beneficial insects is great!  And we love the happy insects that help promote growth!!!


5.  To Fertilize or Not to Fertilize-The 1st word on the package would be Nitrogen and it promotes plenty of lush and green plants but can and will decrease fruit production.  Any excessive fertilizer can harm plants and soil.  So, it's a judgment call on the gardeners behalf!

How easy are these?  These few and easy steps will help you get the best results from your veggie garden.  Why not get your hands a little dirty and by-pass the produce section at the grocery store during the summer.  There's nothing better than going out to your own garden and picking fruits and veggies for breakfast or dinner.  Gotta love that! 


I'll be talking kitchens tomorrow!

XOXOX
~Maggie