How to plant and grow vegetables in the garden? This is probably the first question that every beginner gardener asks who wants to set up a vegetable garden in their own yard.
Before you start setting up and planting, there are a few things you should consider to be sure that you are not making mistakes that are hard to fix or that take a long time to correct.
Successful gardening involves much more than simply throwing seeds into the ground and waiting for the tomato to appear. Planting is only the third step of the 3 "P"s of gardening: Planning, Preparation, Planting.
Step 1 - Planning the vegetable garden
For a higher success rate, a vegetable garden needs to be well planned long before actual planting. The location of the garden is of undeniable importance, so choose a good spot for your future plantation.
A spot near the house, well-lit throughout the day is usually the best choice, but you should also consider the quality of the soil, its drainage, and the shady portions from nearby buildings and trees. A productive vegetable garden needs at least 6 hours of sunshine per day for a crop to reach maturity.
Step 2 - Preparing the vegetable garden
Fertile soil, well prepared beforehand, is essential for any garden that will bear fruit. The type of soil is not the primary requirement, but its drainage is essential, as is the fertilizer used and its ability to retain moisture.
Any soil that has not been properly fertilized before planting will need a lot of organic matter to have the nutrients necessary for the future plants in your garden. Also, the pH of the soil should be tested, as some plants prefer a more alkaline environment, while others prefer a more acidic one.
