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Best
Vegetables to Plant in a Sunny Garden
There is nothing better than eating vegetables that come from
your own back yard. Planning and choosing what type to plant
is the hard part for sure. Different vegetables grow
in different types of light and need a specific amount of space
between
each plant. For those who have a very sunny garden you will
need to know which vegetables can with stand a constant stream
of sun rays everyday with out becoming damaged. You need to
choose vegetables that flourish in this lighting condition
to be successful. Choosing the right type of garden will be
the first order of business.
The most successful garden type is a bed rather than planting
in rows. This allows you to utilize all of your compost for
planting. The rows tend to waist valuable compost materials,
not to mention that stepping on the soil in between rows kills
the soil structure. Bed need to be on the smaller side so that
they are easily tended to for weeding and harvesting. Several
rows of smaller beds will allow for all the work to be done
easily but give you plenty of space to plant plenty of vegetables.
Make sure to raise the beds 8-12 inches above ground to give
them proper drainage. This will also keep the soil warmer in
the cooler months as well.
It is very important to prepare
your soil right to create
less work in the future. Be sure to dig up each bed and break
up all compacted soil. This helps with irrigation and drainage.
You will want to remove all weeds and rocks as well as you
go. Once you are ready to plant you will need to know which
plants should be where. Some plants are companion plants and
grow very well together, while others should be avoided. If
you plan to grow potatoes make sure that you do not put them
in the same bed as your squash and tomatoes. The potatoes will
inhibit their growth. Beans will stop the growth of onions,
while broccoli should not be with tomatoes. This is very important
to know so that your garden will be great and all the plants
and vegetables can grow to their full potential. It is best
to plant companion plants in the same beds and their counterparts
together in another bed.
Many vegetables should be planted together not only because
they grow well with each other, but also because they use similar
soil and share many of the same pests. This will make rotating
and caring for crops easier. Rotating your crops yearly is
much advised to prevent soil disease and preserve nutrients.
Crops that should be planted together for hearty growth and
maximum benefit are:
- Onions, garlic, leeks, scallions, and shallots (Alliums)
- Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and brussels sprouts
(Brassicas)
- Collards, radishes, rutabaga, and turnips (Crucifers)
- Melons, squashes (including pumpkins, zucchini, etc), and
cucumbers (Cucurbits)
- Legumes, which includes beans and peas
- Tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers (Solanaceae)
- Arugula, radiccio, chicory, endive, swiss chard, and escarole
(Mescluns)
Asparagus, artichokes, and rhubarb (perennial vegetables)
should never be rotated and planted together in a separate
bed. All of the hearty common vegetables are on a yearly rotating
schedule with a four-year plan. Every year you will move your
groups over to a bed they have not been in for at least 4 years.
Even the hardiest vegetables need extra care when watering.
You will need to be consistent for best results. Using a soaker
hose is a wise choice. All the plants will get even watering
with out getting the leaves wet. All you will have to do is
turn the hose on. Planting a vegetable garden is a wonderful
use of a sunny back yard. All you need to know are the basics
of how to be successful and you are golden. Make sure to plant
small amounts of short season vegetables through out the entire
growing season. This will keep you from having an over abundance
of all your vegetables and wasting good crops. You will be
able to have a continued harvest for the entire season and
get your time and moneys worth out of your garden. # # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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