If you want to start growing your own vegetables, here is a checklist of things you can do in early spring to get started. Growing your own vegetables has many rewards, but it takes a lot more effort than hitting the produce section at the grocery store. If you are a novice, don't let your stomach do the planning because it is your back that will end up doing the work. Frankie Flowers early spring checklist for vegetable gardens:
- If you are just starting, now is the time to choose an appropriate site with lots of sun to start growing your vegetables.
- For new gardens, remove the sod and amend the soil with composted manure.
- Select vegetables that you and your family enjoy eating.
- Plan your garden so taller plants won't shade out smaller ones.
- Plant cool season vegetables such as radishes and lettuce.
- Plan ahead to add summer vegetables, such as tomatoes, when early crops are done.
- Plant asparagus or rhubarb, two perennial vegetables.
- Plant raspberries, blueberries and strawberries.
- Consider adding a fruit tree to your property.
The Farmer's Almanac has a guide to find out the best times to start seeds indoors and out, and when to plant your vegetables for you area.
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For more tips on growing vegetables, gardening and lawn care, check out Frank's book "Get Growing".