When the weather begins to warm and the days start to lengthen, most green thumbs begin to get the itch to begin working the soil in the garden. While there are a number of steps to complete before placing those seeds or plants in the ground for the season, most of the work is fairly straightforward and easy to understand. First, choose a sunny location for your garden bed. Next, prepare the soil by adding all of the necessary nutrients and ridding the area of dirt clumps and rock. Finally, plant your vegetable garden. It is this final step that we will cover here, and we will give three options for doing so.

Start Seeds Indoors

Those with short growing seasons may want to begin their seeds indoors long before the snow has melted from the ground. This can work well with either cool weather or warm weather crops, although some types of plants will not tolerate the transplant process well and are better off being sown directly into the ground when it's time to plant a vegetable garden outdoors. If you are in doubt about whether a particular crop will thrive indoors, check the seed packet or ask your local extension office for advice. Most seeds can be sown six to eight weeks ahead of the last frost, and with proper sunlight and water will be ready to head to the outdoor bed when the freezing season is well over.

Sow Seeds into the Ground

Most seeds cannot be planted into the ground until after the last frost date has passed, and this will vary from area to area. Your local extension office can give you a precise date for outdoor planting. Prepare your soil well, by loosening the surface and adding any necessary nutrients to the soil. This will usually mean some organic matter and fertilizer that is designed for use when you plant a vegetable garden. You can opt to sow your seeds in long rows or in sections that will allow for better pollination and ease of caring for each crop individually. Make sure that you keep the soil moist until your seedlings begin to emerge and then water regularly as needed for the rest of the season.

Buy Plants from your Nursery

For those who want a head start when they plant a vegetable garden, but don't want to go to the trouble of planting seeds at home, there are bedding plants available at your local nursery or gardening center. While this is often the more costly option, it can be more efficient because you only purchase plants that you will use. By selecting carefully, you can ensure the plants that you put into your garden will have a healthy beginning, increasing your chances of a bumper crop throughout the season.

Whether you choose to plant a vegetable garden with indoor seedlings, seeds or plants from your local nursery, your garden will bring you plenty of delights and a healthy harvest to enjoy.