Growing you own vegetable or herb garden can help trim the fat on your grocery bill - and your body! So are you ready to start planning? HGTV experts suggest that you consider these tips before you let your garden grow.
Start by making a list; it's easier to plot out garden beds when you put everything down on paper. Write down the herbs you commonly use and look up their soil, light and water needs. Take note of a plant's growing patterns too. For example, mint, a popular herb, tends to overtake gardens so is best planted by itself.
There are some hard and fast rules for growing vegetables as well. Potatoes are known to inhibit the growth of tomatoes and squash, and beans can slow down a patch of onions.
When considering which fruits and vegetables to plants, it's important to remember there are cool and warm-season crops. Cool crops include cabbage, lettuce and peas. Warm crops include peppers, cucumbers and melons.
Lastly, size matters. Trainee gardeners should begin with a plot no larger than 11' square, which will allow for nine 3' x 3' areas and enough walking space among the crops.
Trying to take care of a large garden with little experience can be challenging, but a smaller, well-maintained area is more likely to yield success.
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