Tips for a
BoUNTiFUl BACkYARD GARDEN
The benefits of having your own
backyard vegetable garden are plentiful, and can include significant
lifestyle impacts, such as healthier
eating habits, money saving perks
and more.
A Relaxing, healthful hobby
Looking for a hobby that allows you
to contribute to the health of your
family? Take up gardening. Beyond
producing nutritious foods, it can
help you teach your family about
local agriculture, all while basking in the tranquility of the great
outdoors. Though starting your own
home garden can be intimidating,
there are a few simple steps to get
you started. Once developed, it can
yield fruits and vegetables from
early spring and into the fall.
Do Some Research
Find out what vegetables
grow best in your area
and when is the right
time to plant and harvest.
Many local university
extension programs have
this information readily available online. For
each plant, consider the
amount of water needed,
how much sunlight is
required and if it should
be started from seed or a
transplanted seedling.
your garden needs at least one inch
of water per week. Make sure you
can easily access a water supply
nearby. Some products, such as an
Ames NeverLeak hose reel, provide
convenient hose storage and can
easily reach all parts
of your yard. Be sure
to choose a level area
of your yard so when
watering it will not
pool in lower areas.
Clear the Area
Use your garden
hose or a string to mark the area
for proper placement of your garden. Use a sod lifter or garden
spade, keeping the area level and
removing as little topsoil as possible. Next, use a round point shovel,
such as the True Temper True
American Round-Point Shovel, to
dig into the soil about
12 inches, breaking
it up and removing
clumps. To encourage
proper drainage and
escape light freezes in
early spring and fall,
construct a raised bed
by creating a border
with wood slats
and filling in
with soil.
Prepare the Soil
Use a rake to create a smooth finish
and remove debris or stones on the
surface. You may want to add
manure, compost or soil additives
to provide additional nutrients in
the soil.
Plant Your
Seeds
Determine if you
will be starting
your plants from
seeds or transplanting small
seedlings. Be sure to research how
much room each plant will need
and plot the layout of your garden.
Dig V-shaped furrows using a warren hoe or the edge of a garden hoe.
Carefully distribute the seeds in the
furrows evenly and in accordance
with the instructions on the seed
packet. Cover the seeds and pat
down gently, then water
thoroughly.
Use this information for a fruitful
harvest this gardening season.
Choose a Good Spot
Keep in mind vegetables need at
least six hours of sun each day, so
plant away from the shade of buildings, trees and shrubs. Planting
close to your house may make you
more likely to bring your harvest
right into your kitchen, and will
help you remember to weed and water. Including rain and irrigation,
For more tips, visit
www.AmesTrueTemper.com or
www.Facebook.com/TrueTemperTools
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