Vegetable gardening tip sheet
DOWNLOADAugust 25, 2016
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EmailGarden planning calendar
- January – February: Order seed catalogs.
- February – March: Order seeds.
- March - April: Prepare the soil when it is dry enough.
- April: Plant cool season vegetables. (Check local planting dates.)
- May: Plant warm season vegetables after danger of frost.
Where to put your garden
View planning your garden tip sheet
- Convenient to your home and close to a water source.
- Where the soil is good and free from toxins.
- Sunny, level spot (six to eight hours of sunlight)
- Stay away from trees and shrubs.
- Avoid north-facing slopes and low areas.
Build your garden soil
Learn how to build your soils.
- Add organic matter every year.
- Test your soil for acidity (pH) and nutrients.
- Use appropriate amount and type of fertilizer.
- Prepare your garden soil for planting and avoid compacting it.
Plan your garden on paper
- Start small (20’ x 10’) and expand with more experience.
- Plant tall vegetables on the north side.
- Give each plant the space it needs.
- Draw garden map and include:
- Specific location of each vegetable crop.
- Spacing between plants and rows.
- Vegetables your family likes to eat.
- Planting dates.
Plant your vegetable garden
- Buy and plant seeds and transplants according to your plan.
- Harden off your transplants.
- Plant when the soil is warm enough for your vegetable crops.
- Use mulch, and maybe row covers.
Keep your plants growing
- Thin plants to increase harvest.
- Keep the garden weeded and manage pest problems.
- Add nutrients in the summer when needed.
- Water when the soil is dry.
Harvest vegetables
- Check your garden often; you’ll enjoy it more!
- Harvest vegetables at their peak flavor and nutrition level.
- Use as soon as possible.
