Plant Your Own Backyard Vegetable Garden

A few years ago, my dad started growing bell peppers in the backyard. This was something he was really proud of because growing plants in Colorado is not an easy task. Growing your own vegetables has many benefits, including the fact that it can save you money at the grocery store. It also provides you with a fresh, healthy source of vegetables. You have the power to decide which pesticides and fertilizers you use, as well as when to pick your vegetables. In this article, we will discuss how to plant your own backyard vegetable garden according to a great explanation by Home Depot.

Step 1: Choose a Garden Site

• Most plants need 6 hours of sunlight per day, therefore you should find an open, uncovered area. If summers are hot where you live, find a spot that provides some afternoon shade.
• Next, measure the size of your site and sketch it out to determine how much space to fill and seed packets to buy.
• Find a spot with a close water source, such as a garden hose or sprinkler system.
• Make sure your site has good drainage, which depends heavily on the soil you choose.

Step 2: Prepare Your Soil

• Break up large chunks of dirt with a shovel or spading fork.
• Rake your garden area and remove debris such as grass, weeds, and rocks.
• Mix in fresh garden soil with a hoe.

Step 3: Choose Vegetables to Plant

• Decide whether to use seeds or plants in your garden. Seeds are the less expensive option, but young plants will save you time.
• The best beginner vegetables include beets, lettuce, kale, cucumbers, peas, radishes, cherry tomatoes, and green beans.
• Find the best vegetables to grow according to your climate and growing season. Plants that grow well in Texas won’t do as well in a place like Colorado. If the growing season is short, you’ll need to find plants that will mature before the first frost.

Step 4: Plant Your Vegetables

• Use a garden trowel to make holes for your plants – at least two times deeper and wider than the container the plant is in. Space the plants at least 2-3 feet apart.
• Place your plants in the holes and cover them with soil.
• Plants like tomatoes and beans need stakes for support.
• Water your plants or seeds to settle them in.
• Use vegetable fertilizer as directed.

Step 5: Water Your Vegetable Garden

• Water 2-3 times per week, but every day in the hottest part of summer.
• Water in the late afternoon/early evening
• Soak only the roots and keep the leaves dry.
• In hot weather, avoid using sprinklers, which are not as efficient.
• Watering methods vary depending on the types of plants you choose.

Hopefully, this article provided you with useful tips to plant your own backyard vegetable garden! For more information visit homedepot.com.

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