Vegetable Gardening Tips
By Nicky Pilkington, Tue Jan 10th

With the costs of living rising all the time, it may be possibleto save money and increase your family's health at the same timeby growing vegetables in your backyard.

It's a good idea to choose your favourite vegetables to grow andplan beds for early, middle of the season and late varieties.

Most vegetables require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day,some need 8. Some quick growers like lettuce and radish can begrown between the rows of plants that take longer to mature,like beet or corn, thus making full use of the area available.

Throughout dry periods, vegetable gardens need extra watering.Most vegetables benefit from an inch or more of water each week,especially when they are fruiting.

During the growing season watch for insect pests. If youdiscover a bug problem early it will be much easier, but becareful to not use pesticides once the vegetable are close tobeing picked unless it becomes an absolute

necessity. Organicgardening is one healthy and environment-friendly option. Onceyou have reaped your crop, put the vegetable waste into yourcompost pile so that it can be recycled for next spring.

It is important to protect your vegetable garden from wildanimals looking for a tasty treat. Make sure your garden issurrounded by a fence that will keep out dogs, rabbits, andother animals. The harm done by wandering animals during oneseason can equal the cost of a fence. A fence also can serve asa frame for peas, beans, tomatoes, and other crops that needsupport.

Protection is needed in order for your vegetable garden to yielda bountiful harvest. Hard work will pay dividends if necessaryprecautions have been made.

About the author:Find more about gardeningand some useful gardeningtips at AboutGardening