| The traditional vegetable garden design has always | | | | - If some shade cannot be avoided some leafy |
| been a smaller reproduction of the full sized farm | | | | vegetables such as lettuce or carrots can be planted |
| mode; plants in strict, straight rows marching back | | | | successfully |
| and forth over the whole plot. | | | | - Your new garden is going to be thirsty so you |
| But there is not a reason in the world why, if the | | | | want to have a hose bib, or other water source |
| required growing conditions are met, you can't design | | | | close |
| your own vegetable garden in any way you see fit. | | | | - Stay away from trees because they will create too |
| Most types of vegetables can be successfully grown | | | | much shade and will also compete with the newly |
| in irregular beds, borders, or even containers so your | | | | planted vegetables for water |
| only real limitation is the requirements of the individual | | | | Once your new plants are safely in the ground, the |
| plants you are going to use. | | | | two most important things are watering and mulch. |
| That said there are some general considerations to | | | | Spreading mulch generously will greatly reduce weed |
| be aware of while working on your vegetable garden | | | | growth which saves lots of work! |
| design: | | | | Plan on giving your new garden a complete soaking |
| - In most areas it is good practice to prepare the soil | | | | at least once a week but keep an eye on the plants |
| in the fall | | | | during hot spells in case additional watering may be |
| - The area you choose for your garden should have | | | | required. |
| good drainage | | | | If you take some care in designing you new |
| - Avoid shade if at all possible, your vegetables | | | | vegetable garden, the maintenance work required will |
| generally need a full eight hours of sun daily | | | | be minimal and you will enjoy a bountiful harvest! |