Garden vegetable plants require sunlight, a proper growing temperature, water, soil and nutrients. For maximum production, find the optimum levels of each necessity and provide them to the vegetable plants. To begin, carefully research the garden growing conditions, and then select vegetables that thrive in that environment. Alter the growing conditions, if necessary, to encourage the vegetable plants to yield more.
Collect several soil samples from the garden area and test for the nutrient content. Hire a soil-testing lab to perform the tests or purchase a soil-testing kit. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are important macronutrients for all vegetable plants. If the garden soil is deficient in any of the nutrients, incorporate appropriate fertilizers. Consider incorporating compost or other organic materials to provide an array of micronutrients.
Pick a garden site that receives direct sunlight for six to eight hours each day. All vegetable plants grow well in direct sunlight. Some vegetables such as lettuce, turnips, beets and spinach also tolerate some shade. To prevent tall plants from shading small plants, plant tall plants on the north side of the garden.
Plant hybrid vegetable seeds. Hybrid plants are often healthier, stronger and higher yielding than other vegetable varieties. Select disease-resistant varieties. Consider succession plantings for maximum garden production. For example, plant leaf lettuce in the early spring. When that crop is harvested, plant a quick-growing corn variety. After the corn is harvested, plant radishes for a fall crop.
Follow the recommended spacing when planting the seeds. Crowded vegetable plants don’t produce as well as plants with appropriate spacing. Don’t plant the same vegetable in the same area each year. Rotate the crops in the garden area. When the seedlings begin to grow, thin the plants to provide adequate space for the mature vegetable plants. Consider growing some vegetables vertically. Allow pea, pole bean and cucumber plants to grow on poles or on a trellis.
Start some vegetable plants inside a greenhouse or another warm area for a head start on the growing season. Plant vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and cabbage inside four to six weeks before transplanting outside. A week before transplanting the vegetable plants outside, begin the hardening off process to acclimate the young plants to outside conditions. Hardening off involves protecting the plants and gradually increasing the hours of sunlight. Often the young plants are placed in the shade and protected from wind.
- Remove weeds as they appear and water as necessary.
- Watch for insects and determine adequate control methods if they appear.
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