How To Grow Your Own Food

Even a balcony can house a garden.

Urban residents are discovering the advantages to growing their own food. Many are turning their yards into vegetable gardens to save money while eating healthier foods. Some gardeners sell or barter the excess food they grow. Whether for private use or marketing purposes, these gardeners must make some choices about how to utilize their yards.

Lay the Soil

There is no set way to gardening, so it’s up to the individual to decide what method works best for him or her. The first step is to decide how much money, time, work, and space will be devoted to the garden. A person who doesn’t want to invest a lot of time and effort should choose plants that need very little attention and a small garden.

The space used will depend on the person’s concerns about landscaping and other uses for the yard. Some people may decide to utilize raised garden beds or other containers. Greenhouses are another option for those who like growing winter vegetables. Some may choose to clear out a small portion of the yard, while others may opt for turning the whole yard into a garden. Sometimes the amount of space used will be determined by which plants are chosen.

Choose Your Plants

The second step is to decide which plants to grow. In some cases the size and location of the garden can determine which plants are grown. Some plants (i.e. melons) require lots of room to grow. Other plants may not do well in raised beds due to height (i.e. corn). Some plants need more support, such as a trellis or post (i.e. bean plants). Different plants need different types of soil and amounts of sun, shade, and water. Some plants compliment each other while others may not grow well if planted close by. Certainly personal food preferences will be a major decisive factor.

Prepare the Soil

The third step is to prepare the soil according to what plants are chosen. If using raised beds or containers, place those in areas best suited to the plants’ needs. Then plant the seeds according to the instructions on the packets and watch them grow. Heirloom seeds are better than hybrid ones because they produce plants that will provide seeds for future gardens.
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Plant and Grow

Be sure to water and weed as often as is necessary, but do not over water. Hoe or rake the soil once in awhile. Harvest the produce when mature and enjoy a healthy meal! You can also find local farmer’s markets in your area and inquire about selling your goods so you can turn a profit.

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