A collaboration between the Family Nutrition Program and Consumer Horticulture

Physical Exercise

Mentally stimulating

Encourages creativity

Exposure to fresh air & sunshine

Grow vegetables not available in markets or stores.

Promotes a sense of accomplishment and increases self-esteem

Site selection

Crop selection

Site preparation

Planting

Water, weed and watch

Harvest

Prepare for next year

Sun exposure – 6 hour minimum 8 is better ~ exception shade for some plants

Flat as possible

Easy access: water, ease of care & harvest

Soil

Well drained

Fertile

A soil test is always good idea

Grow what you like to eat

Experiment with new vegetables

Early maturing varieties for northern gardens

Seeds vs. transplants

Remove sod & weeds

Manual removal

Solarization – 4 to 6 weeks

herbicides

Till to loosen soil

Double dig

Rototiller

Placement

Cultural requirements

Thinning

Spacing

Depth

Mulching

Row planting

Raised beds

Containers

Vertical gardening

Square-foot Gardening

Poor or hard soil

Improve drainage

Improve access for those gardening with physical challenges

Use soilless mix

Necessary drainage

Special varieties

Good option for patio, deck or apartment dwellers

Trellised or staked

Hanging Baskets

http://www.heartofwisdom.com/heartathome/2009/04/01/benefits-of-a-square-foot-garden/

Library or internet researchSeed packet

SunlightWhen to plantSpacing depth Days to germination Days to maturity

Water

Weed

Watch for problems

Insects

Disease

Abiotic issues

Learn when and how to harvest each food plant.

Learn the best way to keep or preserve your produce

Garden clean up reduces possible future problems

Plan your rotation and selection for next years bounty