READER'S ROCK LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE VOL 2 ISSUE 4 NOVEMBER 2014 Vol 1 Issue 11 May 2014 | Page 56
(Family Features) 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.
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.
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.
4) 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.
Tips for a Bountiful Backyard Garden
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.
1) 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.
2) 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, 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.
3) 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
5) 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 Vshaped 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. For more tips, visit
www.AmesTrueTemper.com or
www.Facebook.com/TrueTemperTools.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Mother and Son)