The inviting embrace of summer is upon us, and that often inspires people to go green and try their hand at vegetable growing. To get started, you have to know a few essential things. If you jump in feet first with no clue or agenda then things might not come to fruition and it will be a wasted venture. So, read this guide to find out how to get your summer vegetable patch up and running in the best way possible.
Chase the Sun
Finding out where the sun is can help when it comes to vegetable placement. Some products prefer lots of sunlight and need it to grow, while others flourish and prosper in the shade. Before you put your seeds down to sow, map out where the sun hits and what time of day so that you can chart exposure and curb any problems before they take root. A tomato is the perfect example of a food that needs a lot of sunlight to grow, so if you have a tomato vine in the mix, make sure it has the optimum position for soaking up those rays.
Pick the Right Vegetables
There are plenty to choose from, but some fruit and vegetables only bloom in the summer months. You can find lists of suitable products for warmer seasons with a little bit of research. For example, peas and lettuce need a colder climate to grow nicely whereas strawberries, sweet potatoes, and even peppers prefer the warmth. If you don’t want to invest in a greenhouse, find products that work with the current temperature outside.
Get Your Timing Right
Learning about timing and when to plant crops will make your life easier when it comes to making a vegetable patch successful. Some crops will last for months ahead if stored correctly whereas some are better enjoyed fresh. So, if you are growing with an occasion in mind, good timing is paramount. It is also important to know when to plant the seeds, how often they need water and sunlight, when they should bloom and when they should be harvested. If you have an idea of the way things should be going, it helps you to stay on track with what is happening on your land.
Keep Organized
If you struggle with keeping things neat and tidy, you need to find a niche that can help you stay organized in your vegetable venture. For all the reasons listed above, knowing where everything is and being able to tend to different plants with different needs is a key part of patch management. Good tips for staying neat and tidy with your seedlings include labeling everything, keeping different variants in separate plots, keeping a written record, and having a schedule for watering and maintenance.
Growing your own food can be extremely rewarding. It can save you money in the long-run, taste better, and give you a sense of achievement. There is also the peace of mind that your food is organic and completely fresh.