| Starting a vegetable garden can be one of the | | | | the ideal pH level of 6.5, wait at least one month |
| most rewarding past times you will ever have. | | | | before you begin planting your vegetables. |
| Gardens can provide you and your family with | | | | Planting Tips |
| fresh, organic and healthy vegetables every day | | | | You can purchase seeds or seedlings for a great |
| of the year. With the right planning, starting a | | | | price. You should plant your vegetables north |
| vegetable garden will require less work than may | | | | south to allow for the maximum sun exposure |
| think. | | | | whilst limiting the amount of shade. Make sure you |
| Starting a vegetable garden at home does not | | | | do not plant taller vegetables in a position where |
| require a lot of space to provide wholesome food | | | | they will block other vegetables from receiving |
| you can harvest daily. First you must decide | | | | sufficient sunlight. |
| where to plant your vegetables, a plot. Look for | | | | Allow 50cm or 1.5 feet between planted/sown |
| an area that will provide plenty of morning sun | | | | rows. The packet on your seeds should provide |
| and away from other plants or trees that can | | | | you information on the space you should provide, |
| create problems such as taking vital nutrients | | | | deep to sow and when to sow based on your |
| away from your vegetables. | | | | climate zone. Seed raising mix will help your seeds |
| Starting a Vegetable Garden - Checklist | | | | alone nicely and should definitely be used. |
| - Soil Testing (pH test) | | | | Maintenance & Health |
| - Garden Lime | | | | The health of your vegetable garden is all about |
| - Organic Fertilizers (Manure/Blood & Bones | | | | planning. Ensure you use organic fertilisers such as |
| or Compost) | | | | animal manure or compost to provide plenty of |
| - Seeds/Seedlings | | | | nutrients for your vegetable garden. Vegetables |
| - Seed Raising Mix | | | | love water and soil moisture so make sure you |
| Testing & Preparing Your Soil | | | | provide enough water but do not water log your |
| You must prepare your soil by digging and turning | | | | garden in the process. |
| it over. Look to remove any waste material and | | | | Starting a vegetable garden is about having the |
| weeds by hand, stay away from chemicals such | | | | right set up and proper planning, by starting a |
| as weed killers and other pest killers as they | | | | vegetable garden at home you will be able to |
| effect the quality of your soil. Take 4 soil samples | | | | provide fresh food for you and your family for |
| (4 spots from your plot) to you local gardening | | | | years to come. Imagine the feelings of growing |
| outlet for pH testing. Your local gardening expert | | | | fresh food at home, it's one of great pleasures in |
| will advise whether you will need to purchase | | | | life. |
| supplies such as garden lime to get your soil to | | | | |