How Does Your Garden Grow?

Have you ever noticed that the best vegetables seem to be the ones you grow yourself? It doesn't take much room to grow a few veggies for your own family, in fact a tomato plant can do very well in a pot on your patio or terrace. Below are a few pointers to get you going.

Good soil is the first rule for a successful garden. If you have soil that feels as hard as a rock you have decomposed granite. If your soil holds together if you form a ball when it is wet, you have clay. San Diego soil is some of the worst you could have. What to do? Add humus. Lots of it. Pile it on thick and dig it in well. It will make all the difference in the world.

All veggies grow their best if they have at least six hours or more of sun. If you don't have a bed in the sun, use pots and put them in a sunny spot.


HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU PLANT?

Tomato Plants: 4-5 plants should take care of a family of four. You may want to use different varieties, such as beefsteak, yellow, cherry, etc. You may want to put up a cage or trellis to support tomatoes. Water tomatoes deeply and infrequently as possible. Let at least one day go by after watering before you pick tomatoes. They will be sweeter!

Zucchini or other squash: One plant should take care of a family, but you may want to plant one more in case you have a mildew problem occur on the primary plant.

Carrots, radishes, beets, and lettuces: As space permits, one seed packet of each. Plant another seed packet of the same veggies 4-6 weeks later for a second harvest.

Eggplant: One eggplant should be plenty for your family of four.

Peppers: A few pepper plants should be enough for your family. You may want to try a few different kinds for variety. If you are growing spicy peppers, keep them evenly watered, or they may become spicier than you might care for! Remember, peppers freeze well.

Corn: Needless to say, corn takes up a lot of room. If you do decide to grow your own corn, plant it in groups, not lines, so they will pollinate more easily.

Herbs: Herbs take up little room and can do very well in pots on your patio if your garden space is limited. One or two plants of the herbs you use should be enough for your family. Try basil, cilantro, or dill! Mint is great for those refreshing summer drinks.

If you have any of your own gardening tricks that you would like to share, please send me an e-mail and I'd love to tell others what has worked for you!