| With the costs of living rising all the time, it may be | | | | easier, but be careful to not use pesticides once the |
| possible to save money and increase your family's | | | | vegetable are close to being picked unless it |
| health at the same time by growing vegetables in | | | | becomes an absolute necessity. Organic gardening is |
| your backyard. | | | | one healthy and environment-friendly option. Once |
| It's a good idea to choose your favorite vegetables | | | | you have reaped your crop, put the vegetable waste |
| to grow and plan beds for early, middle of the | | | | into your compost pile so that it can be recycled for |
| season and late varieties. | | | | next spring. |
| Most vegetables require at least 6 hours of sunlight | | | | It is important to protect your vegetable garden |
| per day, some need 8. Some quick growers like | | | | from wild animals looking for a tasty treat. Make sure |
| lettuce and radish can be grown between the rows | | | | your garden is surrounded by a fence that will keep |
| of plants that take longer to mature, like beet or | | | | out dogs, rabbits, and other animals. The harm done |
| corn, thus making full use of the area available. | | | | by wandering animals during one season can equal |
| Throughout dry periods, vegetable gardens need | | | | the cost of a fence. A fence also can serve as a |
| extra watering. Most vegetables benefit from an inch | | | | frame for peas, beans, tomatoes, and other crops |
| or more of water each week, especially when they | | | | that need support. |
| are fruiting. | | | | Protection is needed in order for your vegetable |
| During the growing season watch for insect pests. If | | | | garden to yield a bountiful harvest. Hard work will pay |
| you discover a bug problem early it will be much | | | | dividends if necessary precautions have been made. |