When you first enter into the wonderful world of gardening, it is a complex world indeed. First, you must plan your garden, by choosing the crops that you want to plant and where you are going to put them. Next, it is time to prepare the soil by adding all of the right ingredients to allow your plants to remain healthy and happy. Finally, you plant the seeds in the ground, cover them with dirt and water and wait for your seedlings to emerge. The hard part is done, right? Wrong. The work in growing a vegetable garden has only just begun!

How and When to Water

Next to sufficient sunlight, water is the most important substance that your plants will require. If you are growing a vegetable garden, it is essential that you water your crops the right way for maximum benefit. If possible, hook up an irrigation system with a timer that will ensure that your garden receives water in a precise amount and at the exact same time every day. Early in the day is better, and make sure that your plants receive enough moisture with each watering session. Most crops will need an average of an inch of water every week for best results.

Say Goodbye to Weeds

Weeds are nasty critters that get in the way of growing a vegetable garden by robbing your plants of the water and nutrients that they so desperately need. It is best to weed your garden regularly, so that you get those annoying growths before they go to seed and multiply. Try to pull the weed out by the entire root, and do not leave them lying around your garden area where they can reseed and create an even bigger problem. It is important to note that container gardens and raised beds tend to have less seeds than gardens planted directly in the ground.

Feed your Crops

Before your crops can feed you, you must feed them with proper fertilizing techniques. Another important component to growing a vegetable garden is to keep the nutrients coming to your plants so they can thrive and then produce more fruit. This is mostly done through the soil preparation in the beginning, but crops like tomatoes will also benefit from a regular feeding throughout the growing season with a fertilizer designed just for them. It is also important to remember that containers will need regular feedings since they are not getting their nutrients from the ground.

Growing a vegetable garden requires a great deal of time and effort, but it is an enjoyable hobby that will reap great rewards throughout the season. There is nothing better than biting into a tomato that has just been picked from the vine or cooking up a pot of green beans straight from your own backyard. Enjoy growing a vegetable garden and you will receive a bountiful harvest at the end of the summer!