Spring is in the air! The flowers are blooming and its vegetable planting time! I love the fragrance that the fruit trees give while they start to bloom; White flowers on the plum tree, Pink flowers on the peach tree; the citrus trees being the most fragrant.
Vegetable plants flower too! I’ve begun vegetable planting for the spring and summer harvest. This year I planted new vegetables such as red cabbage, brussel sprouts, celery, kohlrabi, spaghetti squash, cayenne, habanero, and mole peppers; as well as my favorites that I planted last year; eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, butternut squash, to name a few…I’m looking forward to tasting the new vegetables and excited to eat all of the delicious veggies that we experienced last year.
There are many benefits to growing your own vegetables. If you are considering starting one of your own I recommend that you start small your first year. You can begin by planting in small pots. Tomatoes, peppers, and herbs are really easy to grow. Better yet, if you have the space to build or purchase a raised garden bed it offers many benefits such as good soil conditions, higher yield, and better pest control. I planted my first garden in a wooden garden bed and now use it for my herb garden. I absolutely love it because the plants grow big and strong! My current 1200 square foot vegetable garden with 12 raised beds was created after a few years of experience. Fenced with a simple chicken wired fence and a drip water system, our garden produces plenty of vegetables thru the summer and fall, along with extra to share!
You can either plant from seed or transplant plants that have already been planted from a local nursery. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you plant from seed it’s more cost effective although it takes longer to grow. It’s also best to start seed planting indoors because of soil temperatures and the length of the growing season. Transplanting plants have already formed their roots and have formed into a plant; however it’s important to be very gentle when transplanting to prevent shock. I’ve experienced success planting both ways. I usually shop for all of the vegetables plants that I’m looking for, if they are not available in plants I will purchase the seeds and vice versa.
I learned to plant on my own, anyone can do it. The trick is to be gentle and to have patience. Don’t be overly critical. You will learn thru trial and error. For the most part it’s simple. Plant the seed in good soil, give it water, and hope for plenty of sun and in time you will be rewarded. Below are some of the many benefits to planting your own garden…
Promotes good health
Home grown vegetables have better flavor
Vegetable gardening is more economical
Vegetables picked from your garden have better nutritional value- Every day that a vegetable is removed from the vine it loses a significant amount of its nutritional value
Growing an organic garden ensures that the vegetables will contain no harmful chemicals
Gardening is great exercise and is good for the soul
Gardening is a great for the whole family; Kids will enjoy participating and is a fun learning experience
