Planting a few seeds on your deck or in your backyard yields delicious, organic results—and money savings, too.
You know the basics of how to start your own vegetable garden, but where do you go from here?
Here are some crops that even the least green thumbed among you can tackle, and tips on how to make them flourish.
1. Tomato
Originating in South America, this plump red herbaceous perennial is rich in nutrients like niacin, potassium and phosphorous, antioxidants like lycopene, anthocyanin, and carotene, and vitamins A, C, and E. Tomatoes can add a juicy shot of flavor to a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches and pasta.
After the last frost of winter has thawed, pick a spot in your yard that receives ample sunlight and test the soil’s pH level—you want between 6 and 7. (To increase the Ph level, add lime. To decrease it, add sulfur.) Spread compost over this area and mix it withthe soil. Dig a hole for each seed, leaving at least a foot in between for growth, cover them and firmly pat down the soil. Water them with a spray bottle a couple times per week.
2. Radish
Existing in shades of red, purple and white, these root vegetables were first cultivated thousands of years ago in Europe. Radishes are a great source of potassium, folic acid, magnesium and calcium, and are commonly used in salad dressings or as a garnish for salads.
Radishes thrive in soil with a pH level of around 6 or 7. Till a sunny patch in your garden and plant the seeds 1/2-inch below the soil’s surface with one inch of space between each. Water them lightly every couple days. Radishes are fast growers and should be ready to pull in several weeks. Don’t wait too long, or they’ll begin to deteriorate.
3. Zucchini
In the late 1800s, spontaneous mutations of summer squashes yielded the first zucchini in Italy. Typically shaped like a cucumber, this yellow or green vegetable is low in calories and chop full of potassium, folate and manganese. Zucchini can be boiled, fried or steamed as a tasty side or stuffed and baked as a delectable entrée.
