A vegetable garden doesn't have to be huge and hold tons of plants. Not everyone has the space for a garden like that, but they can grow thriving plants in a small area as long as there's access to sunlight.
Gardens have been grown in many places - from a small patch of ground outside of a home to planter pots placed outside the front door. The size of your garden doesn't matter because it's the quality of your gardening skills that will provide you with thriving plants. Your small garden can outmatch any large one if you put forth your best effort to make it successful.
Planning your garden before you begin is very important - you must make the most of the area you're using for your garden. What plants do you plan to grow here? You'll have to put in some effort to learn about these plants, and whether they can be planted in close proximity to each other. Which are the ones that need extra sunshine? What special care must be taken for each plant?
This will help you plan the placement of your garden, whether you plant in a small patch of land or in planters. Next, you'll need to find out when each plant should be planted. Some need to be planted ahead of others, so plan accordingly.
You'll need to buy the seeds or plants that you are going to plant as well. Be sure that you have planters that are big enough if you are going to go with a pot garden. Some plants will need a bit more space for growing, so be sure that they are not too crowded.
Make sure you use top quality potting soil. Your plants could use the extra effort to provide them with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Your local gardening center can help you decide which soil would be best for you to use.
Even if you have a garden that is small, you may end up having a problem with insects on your plants. You have several options that will help you to take care of this problem.
Start by encouraging insect predators into your garden, such as lizards, ladybugs, frogs and birds. These creatures can be attracted to your garden by keeping a source of water nearby, such as a pond, and by growing plants that attract them. There are also some household items that fight against insects, such as hot peppers and garlic, as well as insecticidal soaps.
There are certain kinds of soil available that come with pest-repelling ingredients - try these out. Pesticides are one option, but go easy on these and only use what is strictly necessary - after all, they are injurious chemicals, with detrimental effects on the health not only of the plants, but of animals and children, too.
No matter how large or small your garden may be, you need to make sure you nurture it. Get rid of any weeks and make sure that soil is aerated from time to time and watered regularly. Without the right care from you, your garden will never thrive.
Small gardens can thrive just as much as larger ones, so if you don't have the space for a big garden, just make use of the space you do have and grow healthy and robust plants. With the proper care, any garden can produce excellent plants.
About the Author:
Sarah Duke is publisher of The Vegetable Patch, where you'll find lots of great information for starting a vegetable garden.
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