| The only thing that distinguishes a kitchen | | | | simply eaten fresh), the plants alone can |
| vegetable garden from any other sort is that | | | | significantly augment your diet while being |
| the garden plants are specifically selected | | | | kind to your pocket book. The volume you |
| to be eaten. Given that, the primary | | | | produce will also make it easy to share with |
| consideration in choosing your plants is what | | | | family and friends or to trade your tomatoes |
| you will use, either for your own consumption | | | | at a farmer's market for other kinds of |
| or as trade items at a local farmer's market. | | | | vegetables. (Pepper plants are equally hardy |
| (Of course the climate in your area and the | | | | and prolific.) |
| length of the growing season are also major | | | | |
| factors.) | | | | Other garden staples to consider include: |
| | | | |
| Your primary goals are to save money, to | | | | • Lettuce, which naturally compliments |
| provide yourself with a healthy source of | | | | the tomatoes. |
| fresh food, and to have some fun in the | | | | |
| process. There's nothing quite as satisfying | | | | • Carrots. |
| as seeing something you've grown with your | | | | |
| own hands on your dinner table. But how to | | | | • Okra and eggplant, which are well |
| start? | | | | suited for small "left over" spaces. |
| | | | |
| Where to Plant Your Garden | | | | • Herbs, which are excellent for |
| | | | spicing dishes, a fragrant addition to your |
| Obviously you can only use the land available | | | | yard, and often a natural insect repellant. |
| to you, if there is any, or you can augment | | | | Good herb choices include: anise, coriander, |
| what space you have with containers. Figure | | | | dill, fennel, and perennials like thyme, |
| out how much room your plug plants will need | | | | oregano, chives, tarragon, sage, and |
| and plan accordingly. Tomatoes and peppers | | | | rosemary. |
| grow to a large size and do quite well in | | | | |
| containers with cages for stabilization. | | | | If you don't plant any other herbs, go with |
| Carrots and lettuce, on the other hand, do | | | | the rosemary. It's incredibly hardy, smells |
| well planted in rows. | | | | wonderful, is excellent for cooking meats, |
| | | | and can even be dried into potpurri. |
| If you or someone you know is handy with | | | | |
| tools and if you have access to a little | | | | How to Tend Your Garden |
| lumber and some screening material to use in | | | | |
| the base of the boxes for drainage, you can | | | | Frankly, the biggest investment you will most |
| use terraced, graduated beds and plant stands | | | | likely spend on your garden won't be |
| to squeeze in as much growing room as | | | | monetary, but will rather be a commitment in |
| possible. Pick a place with plenty of sun | | | | time planting, weeding, and watering. When |
| that is well drained. Herbs, for instance, | | | | you purchase your plants, discuss their needs |
| take six to eight hours of sun per day. | | | | with the nursery staff. It's always a good |
| | | | idea to select things with similar watering |
| Your soil will need to be well turned and | | | | requirement or to arrange your garden in such |
| most likely enriched with a good quality | | | | a way that segments can be watered |
| bedding soil available from your local plant | | | | separately, with some areas receiving more |
| nursery. Make sure that the soil your | | | | and others less. Learn what insects are |
| purchase is appropriate for the plants you've | | | | likely to damage your plants, how to watch |
| selected. Talk with the staff at the nursery | | | | for them, and what to do when they show up. |
| and they will help you select the right | | | | (You don't want to just use any insecticide |
| materials as well as any fertilizers that | | | | on your garden. Remember, you're going to be |
| might be necessary based on your soil type. | | | | eating these plants!) |
| (It's not a bad idea to take in a small | | | | |
| sample of soil for their examination.) | | | | In most cases it's a good idea to start small |
| | | | and to add to and expand your garden in |
| What to Plant in Your Garden | | | | subsequent growing seasons as you get more |
| | | | comfortable selecting and caring for your |
| If you want to start small and get a lot of | | | | plants. You'll have some failures; everyone |
| bang for your buck, begin with tomatoes. A | | | | does, it's just part of the process. But |
| single plant can produce more than 100 lbs. | | | | you'll also augment your diet with healthy, |
| of tomatoes over a growing season, an | | | | fresh food, cut down on your grocery bill, |
| estimate that is actually on the low side. | | | | and create a fun activity for your family or |
| Since tomatoes in the store average 1-2£ | | | | for yourself (and get some exercise in the |
| ($2-4 USD) per pound and because they are so | | | | process. |
| versatile (tomato juice, sauces, salsas, or | | | | |