A. Growing vegetables can be very rewarding and many people find it relaxing, but it can also be time-consuming and hard work. You should take several things into consideration before digging up your yard or beginning to plant. First, you need to think about how large your garden will be. Will you be tending the garden alone and how much time do you have to devote to the care of your garden? Do you have much space in your yard or will you be planting in containers? Since you are just starting out, you might consider that a smaller, well-kept garden could produce a higher yield of vegetables than a larger weed-filled garden. What types of vegetables do you and your family like to eat? Since one of the many rewards of vegetable gardening is eating the produce, be sure to plant what you like. However, you may decide to give your vegetables away if you choose them for their pleasing appearance.
First draw a plan of your vegetable garden. You will want to keep a record of where and what you plant so that you can note your successes and failures for the future. Choose a location for your garden that receives a minimum of six to eight hours of sunlight. Be sure that you consider fences, trees, or structures that might cast shade on the garden. The garden should be in an area that drains well or you should consider using a raised bed. It should also be close to a water source.
There are several types of bed configurations from which to choose. The traditional rows are laid out 30 to 36 inches apart with furrows used as walkways. Wide-bed planting is designed with the tops of the rows from 20 to 48 inches across. Several rows of smaller vegetables can be planted on the tops of these rows. The raised-bed or box container garden produces a higher yield since healthy soil is used and drainage is enhanced. The boxes can be 3 to 4 feet wide, 25 to 30 feet long, and 6 to 12 inches high. In any of these types of beds, rows should be laid out in an east- west direction with taller plants being planted at the north end and perennials planted along the sides.
Soil preparation should begin with a soil analysis to determine if any amendments should be added. The pH Of a garden optimally should be 6 -6.5, and the soil should consist of 5 -10% organic matter. The soil should not be too sandy or have too much clay. The ground needs to be tilled 8 inches to 10 inches deep when the soil is moist but not wet.
Have fun choosing the types and varieties of plants and seeds for your garden. Consider the size of the mature plant, the vegetable production, if the fruit matures at the same time, and its disease-resistant properties. Your county agent and local gardeners can help you determine what variety of plants have adapted well to you area.