When we think of springtime gardens, planting bulbs like daffodils may come to mind. However, most bulbs tend to thrive and ultimately produce more flowers when planted in the fall season, while temperatures are ideal. Instead of bulbs, concentrate your energies on something way more productive – creating your own springtime vegetable garden!
There are many points to consider. Will your garden be in the ground, in a raised bed, or a container? This depends on numerous factors such as how much space you have, what you are planting, soil conditions, and so forth. Ideally, choosing a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight daily is suggested, as most vegetable plants do well in full sun. Bear in mind that plants require sun for photosynthesis, which plants use to convert the sun’s light into food and energy. Thus, sunny south-facing gardens in the Northern Hemisphere are desirable, with plant rows running north-south. If you must choose between morning or later day sun, or the sun is scorching, choose morning sun exposure so that your plants do not overheat. The area should be level, with good drainage, and the soil rich to promote growth. The proper watering and fertilizing of your soil can maximize growth potential.
Conservationist, garden designer, and television host P. Allen Smith suggests determining the last frost date is in your area before starting sowing seeds and planting. You can use charts, such as the USDA Planting Zones, to determine when the average spring growing season begins to gain an estimated window of time for planting. Understand that frost dates vary per region. Smith points out that planting too early can cause problems, as frost can harm your crops. Next, decide what type of vegetables you want to grow. Some that do well in springtime are Carrots, Kale, Spinach, Radishes, Turnips, Brussels Sprouts, Swiss Chard, and potatoes.
Start with quality seeds or seedlings from a garden center. You can grow a potato from a seed potato, the sprouted portion of a potato that you plant in the ground. Ensure that soil is ready for planting, that weeds are removed, and the soil is adequately nourished to begin. If creating container gardens, potting soil is recommended. Once planted, be sure to water and fertilize regularly. Homemade compost is generally helpful to have on hand as it provides a safe way to fertilize plants. Each plant will be ready to be harvested at different times, depending upon how long they take to grow. Your spring garden can reap amazing rewards with minimal care, providing a bounty of healthy vegetables for you and your family to enjoy.
I can’t imagine going through any season of the year without a vegetable garden. Until I move, and after the HOA demanded I get rid of the small garden on the side of the house that no one could see, I now grow almost everything in pots. A few greens (mustard greens, dinosaur kale, ‘Red Russian’ kale, Swiss chard ‘Bright Lights’) are still in the front garden, but they can pass as ornamental plants. The HOA cops don’t know they’re edible, too.
For the highest levels of nutrients, grow at least some of the cruciferous vegetables, or the brassicas: kale, collards, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, arugula, komatsuna, mustard greens, and turnip greens. They have special phytonutrients that help prevent cancer and many chronic illnesses, and some aren’t found in other families of plants. All are pretty easy to grow from seeds. They like well-enriched (compost, composted manure) soil, even moisture, and slightly acid or neutral pH. Many grow all winter in NC, and they generally like cooler temperatures, although a few will grow through the summer. For a much more concentrated source of these nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients), grow a pot of microgreens. Easy from seed, grow them indoors, harvest within a few weeks. I keep trays of brassica microgreens growing all year. (I swear by it!)
All around the U.S., cooperative extension offices offer loads of gardening information applicable to the local region. Our tax dollars fund the programs, so…