How are you investing in your vegetable garden

Published on December 27, 2024

[Link]Peak planting season may seem like it's a long time away, but the cold winter months are a great time to prepare. A lot of time, money and energy can be persevered by planning your vegetable garden. A plan will help you reduce your plant purchases as well as pests and disease.

Creating healthy soil is at the top of Green Team's Nikole Sothers list for gardening success.

"I compost all year but have my wallet ready when I find a bargain on bagged compost," she said. "You can add as much as three to four inches for a new bed or less than an inch for an existing bed. Soil amendments are critical to success. Once you have your soil ready, you need to plan what you want to grow and eat."

It is important to plan and move plants around in your vegetable garden. When crops are not rotated, disease-causing organisms build up in the soil and nutrients are depleted.

To create a good crop rotation plan, look at vegetable plant families. An example would be that tomato, pepper, eggplant, Irish potato are all part of the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Check out this link from Alabama Cooperative Extension for more information.

Growing vegetables is a reliable way to access nutritious foods. You can improve your diet and increase exercise by adding vegetables to your patio or yard with a good plan.