There is no space that is too small to use for farming. However, many people, especially urbanites, continue spending a lot of money on vegetables. Some use the space for flowers that they cannot eat.
Before planting, select an appropriate area to turn into a vegetable garden. Prepare the soil.
This includes properly adding organic matter and maintaining soil fertility. A good gardening site is that which is in full sun for at least eight hours daily.
One person can observe this by following the movement of the sun. It has to be relatively level and well-drained. Find a certified source of seeds.
Many seed companies treat their seeds before offering them for sale.
This chemical treatment kills disease organisms in or on the seeds. It also prevents seed rot and “damping off”, a disease that causes rotting in seedlings.
Seeds that have been treated will be labelled as such and often are brightly coloured. Be sure to wash your hands after handling treated seeds.
For beginners, plant a sizeable garden you can easily maintain, as you learn to keep up with the tasks required.
Weeds and pests must be controlled, water applied on time and harvesting done on time.
Vegetables harvested at their peak are tasty, but when left on the plants too long, the flavour is lost.
If you live in an apartment with only a balcony available, you can still enjoy many of the rewards of vegetable gardening.
Feeding and watering plants is easier if you use big containers, since small ones need frequent attention.
Choose the container/planting bag size to match the plant’s growth requirements.
According to experts, as a rule, nearly all leafy vegetables, such as lettuce and cabbage, will do well in containers.
Crops with many fruits per plant, such as peppers, tomatoes and vegetables with roots, like onions and beetroot are good choices to grow in containers.
You can use containers made of clay, wood, or plastic for growing vegetables. Also consider using barrels, flowerpots or window boxes.
Unusual containers will add interest to your garden. These containers can be painted and decorated to add beauty.
Each container must have drainage holes at the bottom so the plant roots will not stand in water.
If the container does not already have holes, make at least four-six small nail holes in its sides, 1⁄2 inch from the bottom.
The container should be the proper size for the plant growing in it.
For example, for tomatoes, need container that is at least 1x1ft wide, like cabbages and eggplants. Some vegetable seeds are planted directly in the containers where they will be growing.
Others are set in as transplants. Pay particular attention to watering container vegetables.
Container soils can dry out quickly, especially on a concrete patio in full sun. Daily watering may be necessary in the morning and evening.
However, do not go to extremes. The soil should not be made soggy or have water standing on top of it. Apply water until it runs out the drainage holes.
