Daily Archives: April 12, 2012

Seeding Vegetables

Success at starting vegetables from seed outdoors begins with proper soil preparation. After organic material is mixed into the soil, level the surface and remove large clods for a fine bed. There should be no cracks in the surface of the soil where small vegetable seeds can be buried. A rule of thumb is that…

Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors

Starting vegetable and flower seeds indoors is easy if these steps are followed.   The first is seed selection. Make sure they are high-quality and free from weed seeds. Hybrid seeds generally cost more than non-hybrid cultivars but may have increased vigor, better uniformity, larger yields, resistance to some diseases and other desirable qualities. If…

Raised Beds vs. Rows

To choose the best method of setting up a home Garden, consider the type of soil in the Garden plot. Native top soils in the west can range from light, sandy soils to heavier clays, or to adobe types that dry like concrete. These soils are commonly found in new housing developments, where all the…

Vegetable Site Tips

The site of a vegetable Garden will greatly determine its success. The amount of sunshine a Garden plot gets throughout the day, the soil type and other factors play a role in a Garden’s productivity.   Fruiting vegetables, like tomatoes, squash and peppers, require a full day of sunlight. Root vegetables, like carrots and beets,…

Planning a Vegetable Garden

Regardless of where one lives, growing conditions are bound to be different from the conditions described in most Gardening books. To plan a successful Garden, ask some questions. Which vegetables grow well in this area? What soil types are common? Are there unique conditions in the Garden to consider, for example, high winds, compacted soils,…