The New Liberty Garden

Between increasing concerns over bacterial contamination, rising produce costs, and a still-feeble economy, more and more families are turning to vegetable gardens to ease the burdens on their grocery budgets.  While this may seem like a daunting task to the budding gardener fully equipped with a black thumb, there are a few simple tricks to help you get started.

Always plant on the sunny side of life. Pick the sunniest spot in your yard to plant your veggies, whether you're starting from seed or with plants purchased from a garden store. This ensures you the longest growing season, the most fruits and vegetables, and the best growing conditions for beneficials (non-edible plants and flowers--and insects-- that provide protection against harmful insects or help in pollination. Marigolds and ladybugs are well-known beneficials.)

Plant early--but not too early. If you're starting from seed, start them in mid to late April or early May, after all danger of frost is past, and start them out in seed trays to make transplanting the grown plants easier. Several manufacturers now make seed trays with coco fiber or biodegradable paper board inserts so you can plant the entire growing apparatus. I'm experimenting with these this year, so I'll let you know how they turn out! (I have high hopes!) If you're starting with seedling plants, try to get them in the ground in May or at least the very beginning of June to get the most bang out of your buck.

Read the instructions! There are directions for growing conditions on seed packets and landscaping inserts for a reason. Most vegetable garden plants like water 3-4 times per week, depending on growing conditions, but some--like habanero peppers--produce bitter-tasting fruit if over watered. Pay attention to these things when planting, and group plants with similar water needs together to help you remember.

Make the best of what you've got.  If your yard is tiny or non-existent, don't give up on your veggie dreams. Many fruits and vegetables can be grown in containers, so apartment dwellers with balcony or roof access aren't out in the cold. I would recommend starting with seedlings in these circumstances, though; if lighting conditions aren't optimal, starting plants from seed may take longer and impede your growing season.

For more gardening resources, check out these fabulous books:
Rodale's Vegetable Garden Problem Solver, by Fern Marshall Bradley (a great resource on organic gardening)
Easy Container Combos: Vegetables and Flowers, by Pamela Crawford (offers great advice on pairing vegetables and beneficials)