| Vegetable gardening can be enjoyable and | | | | strong odors are known to repel pests and help |
| relaxing. You can not only get exercise but also | | | | prevent disease. Some vegetables will create |
| get to enjoy the fruits of your labors at the end | | | | exceptional borders and can be used for |
| of the season. Using the right garden accessories, | | | | ornamental purposes. |
| as well as planning ahead, will help you grow a | | | | Vegetables need proper watering. Consistent |
| fantastic garden. To get the best results from | | | | watering will produce successful results. Don't |
| your garden, there are a few important things to | | | | water at night in hot or humid weather. The |
| consider. | | | | moisture and humidity may combine with the high |
| For the best success, a vegetable garden should | | | | temperatures to promote plant diseases. This |
| be well planned out in advance. The garden | | | | may happen when water gathers at the roots or |
| location is important. You must take sunlight, | | | | the foliage is allowed to become excessively wet |
| drainage, soil quality, and shade from buildings and | | | | and causing diseases to spread. |
| trees into consideration. A good vegetable garden | | | | It's better to remove weeds by the roots rather |
| must have at least six hours of full sun each day | | | | than chopping them up with a tiller or cultivator, |
| in order for your food crops to mature properly. | | | | for many can re-sprout from the chopped-up bits. |
| The soil should be very fertile and well draining so | | | | Get ahead of weeds early in the season and keep |
| that water never puddles after a rain storm. | | | | them from returning in force with a layer of |
| Choose a spot close to a water supply for | | | | organic mulch. Don't use wood chips, as they |
| convenience, and to avoid having to use long | | | | break down they can compete with plants' roots |
| lengths of hoses. | | | | for nutrients. Get a compost pile started and be |
| Another thing to think about is what kind of | | | | ready to collect leaves this fall so next year you'll |
| vegetables would you like to grow. Think about | | | | have plenty of free mulch. |
| what vegetables you would buy when you go | | | | Be vigilante against insect pests throughout the |
| shopping. Unless you are growing them to give | | | | growing season. Discovering a bug problem early |
| away, you'll probably want to grow vegetables | | | | will make it much easier to take appropriate |
| that you will enjoy eating. | | | | action and eliminate the pests. Do not use |
| Implement flowers and herbs with vegetables, | | | | pesticides once the plants have fruited unless it |
| which can add interest, variety and health to your | | | | becomes an absolute necessity, and be sure to |
| vegetable garden. Flowers or herbs that have | | | | follow the manufacturers recommendations. |