Julio Garden

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To flourish and produce an abundant crop a vegetable garden needs care. Water, weed and fertilize on a regular schedule.

Watering needs to be done daily when the weather is hot and sunny. The ground dries out quickly under such conditions. Plants droop and blossoms meant to mature into vegetables dry and fall off. If the ground is left dry too long, root systems can be damaged. Resulting in dead plants and no harvest, or weak plants and a poor harvest.

It is best to weed on a weekly basis. It prevents crowding and helps the vegetable plants to thrive. Your garden will look more presentable.

Fertilize while you are prepping the vegetable garden for planting. Prepping, for the novice gardener, involves removing plant debris and any weeds that have sprung up, and then, using a spade, shovel or rototiller to loosen the soil. The implement you use will depend on the size of your garden. Plant nurseries and garden centers sell fertilizer in pellet and in powder form. Look for an organic fertilizer. It will be better for the environment and for you. Once the soil is cleared and loosened sprinkle the fertilizer over the area and then smooth the dirt. This will mix the fertilizer into the soil and make it be ready for planting. You may want to apply fertilizer once during the growing season.

Some gardeners like to start seeds in small peat or clay pots inside their home in late winter, to have them ready for spring planting outdoors. Others purchase plants when they are ready to start their vegetable garden. The seed method is less expensive, but it is a little more work and you need room near a sunny window.

If you are new to gardening, buy a book on the subject. It will help you avoid pitfalls and guide you in caring for your plants. Tomatoes need to be staked or caged; cucumbers need a trellis to support their vines, etc.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor. Nothing is better than homegrown, sun-ripened tomatoes. Your home garden will help your budget and your produce will taste better and be free of pesticides.

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