Not Too Late To Plant Veggie Garden!
Thanks to the increase in food prices, more and more people are planting vegetable gardens this year.
If you want to grow your own veggies, but haven't started yet, don't worry - you haven't missed your chance - if you pick the right ones!
National Gardening Association Master Gardener William Moss explained Saturday, on The Early Show.
He pointed out that you still have nearly three months of summer, and the beginning of October, to harvest your hard work.
Moss, a big fan of vegetable gardens, says growing one enables you "to connect with nature, gives you access to nutritious foods, and can help your family save a few bucks on organic produce. Additionally, it's a way to 'go green.' Plus, gardening provides an adequate and challenging workout, but is not as stressful to the body as some other exercise options."
People who live in the Southeast, South and Southwest can still plant most veggies and get a successful harvest. Those in northern climates need plants that can develop, flower, and fruit in three months.
Squash, pumpkins, and melons like hot weather, but many require a long growing season, so Moss doesn't recommend starting them now in northern regions. Carrots and many leafy greens prefer cooler soil, and are best started in early spring or early fall in places where summers are warm.
Be aware that, when shopping for plants this time of year, you'll likely only find tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers in most stores.
Because you'd be getting a bit of late start, Moss suggests buying larger plants than you might typically purchase. Be extra-attentive during the first week your plants are in the ground. Plants may need extra water to overcome transplant shock quickly and regain vigor.
You should water and fertilize regularly for productive plants. Since you will (presumably!) be eating the vegetables you're growing, Moss recommends choosing an organic fertilizer.
Vegetables plants require a lot of sun - six or more hours of direct sun is ideal, though you may be able to get by with closer to three. It makes sense that these plants need a lot of the sun's energy - they use a lot of energy to produce energy-filled vegetables.
Some seeds will also do well if planted now. Beans and okra, in particular, germinate well in hot weather, and will have time to produce. Seeds are easy: You simply follow the instructions on the seed packet! Most seeds begin to germinate within a week. Be sure to keep them moist during that time. Moss says it's also important to "thin" your seeds: Once the plants begin to grow, you'll need to pull a large number of them out of the ground. This seems counterintuitive, but it's important. You need to leave room for the plants room to grow and for their roots to really take hold.
Don't have room for a vegetable patch in your yard? Good news: You can also grow vegetables in pots!
Moss really likes to mix herbs with his vegetable plants in containers. If planting vegetables in containers, make sure to use large ones, and use a potting mix as opposed to gardening soil.
No matter where you decide to plant your veggies, consider including some flowers as well, such as marigolds or impatients. Flowering companions bring pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden, and add a nice splash of color!
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