Lettuce is a great addition to any vegetable gardening. Not only is it healthy to eat, it takes up very little space, unlike pumpkins. But for an optimal crop a few simple guidelines are helpful. As with all vegetable gardening, good soil is a must. Keep the nitrogen level high by the use of a [...]

Unfortunately, you’re not the only one who loves your fresh, home grown vegetables. Insects, rabbits, mice, deer and other pests do too. And they eat more than just the vegetable itself, often munching on leaves and even roots. That takes away not only the food, but the ability of the plant to create more. Very [...]

It’s become fashionable to tout organic gardening as the only environmentally safe way to grow vegetables. Certainly organic gardening methods have many advantages. But several traditional and commercial compounds are safe and effective when properly used. In some cases, the line between organic and inorganic compounds and methods is even a little hard to draw. [...]

Most of us think of planting in the Spring and harvesting in the Fall. And, for the majority of crops, that’s right. But species vary, climates vary and indoor container gardening often can be carried out year ’round. In some cases, it’s actually very helpful for next year’s crop to plant in the Fall. Many [...]

Growing vegetables is much easier than many other plants. With just a minimum of good planning, proper planting and a little bit of care you’ll have a bounty of tasty, natural things to eat. But before you sow a seed, think. Consider your climate first and foremost. The type of vegetables you plant and, just [...]

Once you’ve decided which vegetables you want to plant and where, there is still a little bit of preparation to complete before planting. To make a good garden you must have good soil. All vegetables get water and nutrients from the soil. In some cases, the ground won’t already have the needed compounds. In others, [...]

Pumpkins are great for a number of purposes. They can be used to make a great pie, and of course there’s the traditional Halloween decoration. Fortunately, growing good ones takes only a modest amount of knowledge and care. As with any vegetable or fruit, preparing the soil properly is paramount. Use a soil testing kit [...]

Vegetable gardening has all kinds of positives. It’s fun, it’s good exercise in fresh air, and (not least) it provides a tasty and healthy food. But nothing comes free. It does require effort. Planning your vegetable garden is a must. It’s a rare crop in unusual circumstances that can simply be grown from throwing some [...]

Keeping weeds down is more than just an aesthetic issue. Weeds consume space, water and soil nutrients needed by growing vegetable plants. They also act as vectors for insects and disease, as well as providing cover for mice and other pests. When they grow out of control, they can even block needed sunlight. Weed control [...]

Growing vegetables in containers – whether inside the house, in a greenhouse or just on the porch – has many advantages. Soil maintenance is easier. Pest control is simpler. There are more options for adjusting light and temperature levels. Most vegetables that can be grown outdoors will do well in containers. Pumpkins and cucumbers, both [...]