| gardening |
4 foolproof vegetables for first-time gardeners
Gardening can seem intimidating for first-timers . Here are a handful of vegetables you can easily grow without much experience .
• Carrots are hardy and grow well in cool conditions . They can be harvested in late July for baby carrots or after the first frost for large , sweet-tasting ones . Orange varieties are the most reliable growers .
• Lettuce tolerates shade better than other vegetables and grows fast . You can enjoy a weekly harvest all summer long when sown in succession . There are also plenty of varieties , including romaine , iceberg , butterhead and Batavia .
• Bush beans germinate quickly and aren ’ t susceptible to many diseases . Moreover , a small patch of bush beans can yield an impressive amount of produce — up to one pound per plant ! Bush beans also return nitrogen to the soil to keep your garden healthy .
Pick up the seeds you need at your local nursery or garden center . n
• Radishes grow fast and tolerate cool weather . These low-maintenance plants can be grown in small gardens and make great gap fillers . As a bonus , their strong odor tends to deter pests .
Expert tips for starting seedlings indoors
To ensure a productive harvest , gardeners in northern climates must start certain vegetable seedlings indoors four to eight weeks before the last frost . Here are a few tips for getting a head start on your garden .
• Buy seeds from a reputable seller
• Use a specialized seed-starting mix
• Purchase or reuse containers with proper drainage
• Plant seeds at the depth listed on the seed packet
• Prepare for some losses and plant more seeds than you need
• Water frequently but sparingly to keep the soil moist but not water-logged
• Use heat mats and tray covers to speed up germination
• Place sprouted seedlings in a sunny location or under grow lights
• Promptly transplant seedlings that outgrow their original pots
• Once the seedlings are big enough , gradually introduce them to outdoor temperatures to get them ready for transplanting
Growing plants from seed takes time and dedication but is extremely rewarding .
94 MoultrieScene MAY 2023