Vegetables

Vegetable gardening is fun, relaxing and good exercise. Fast paced, high tech, modern lifestyles have brought about renewed interest in gardening as a great way to slow down and unwind. There is something therapeutic about getting out in nature and growing things. Each gardening season is unique providing an opportunity to start over and try something new.

Tomatoes are king of the vegetable garden. While there are many common vegetables grown in our gardens, nothing inspires and enamors most gardeners like the quest for the perfect tomato. In addition to the more commonly grown vegetables, there are dozens of unique species from various ethnic cuisines. Our gardens tend toward the traditional dozen or so vegetables. Experiment a little and try some new vegetables. You may find a new favorite when you do.

Most vegetable gardens are the traditional style where a patch of earth is tilled up and planted in a large block of rows. Most folks don't have a large enough sunny space to have such a garden. In fact gardens can be planted in a variety of spaces. There may be room for a "postage stamp" gardens tucked in a sunny spot between the driveway and the house. A raised bed bordered with timber, rock or cinder blocks can be set up in a sunny spot in the backyard. Containers can be used to successfully grow almost any vegetable, except perhaps corn, provided the container is large enough. Containers allow even an apartment or town home dweller to grow vegetables.

Here in central Texas we can grow something every month of the year. An important factor to remember is that our spring and fall gardening seasons are very short, sandwiched between frosts and blistering hot summer conditions that cause many crops to stop production. Variety selection and proper planting time are critical to success.

We've included some a list of recommended varieties and a planting chart in this section of the website to guide you in your gardening plans. There are a number of other helpful resources well worth a look.