Introduction to backyard vegetable farming, gardening tips, techniques, ideas and secrets: Growing your vegetables in the backyard is fun and rewarding. You need to start with some good soil and some plants. The amazing thing about vegetable gardens is that they can be grown anywhere. You can put them in a container on your front porch, patio, or balcony or in your backyard. Vegetable gardening is a beneficial activity that can provide fresh, tasty produce.
Vegetables can be grown in raised beds or wooden/plastic barrels, galvanized basins, or in a fenced garden. It is interesting to plant seeds in the soil and watch your vegetables grow. They taste fresher and delicious than they would at a grocery store, not to mention the money you save to feed your family. Simple box containers provide a raised bed for your backyard vegetable garden. Each can be combined with different vegetables to keep them organized. By not planting them in the ground, it helps control the type of soil you are using.
A manual for backyard vegetable farming, gardening tips, ideas, techniques, and secrets
Benefits of growing your vegetables in the backyard
- Reduces the cost of providing your family with healthy and organic vegetables.
- Reduces the environmental impact of food transportation and warehousing.
- Makes your food more personal, delicious, and interesting.
- Promotes mindfulness and provides healthy outdoor exercise.
- Provides healthy activities and lasting memories for your children.
- Improve Your Health – Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy. When you pick vegetables from your garden, the vitamin content will be at its highest level. In addition, you are reducing the risk of eating vegetables that contain harmful chemicals – you know exactly what you are eating. In addition, involving children in gardening will make them more likely to try vegetables.
- Another benefit of enjoying backyard garden vegetables is reducing your monthly food bill. You can grow organic vegetables in stores for a fraction of the price.
- The advantage of a backyard vegetable garden is an endeavor managed by almost everyone. And laborers do not need to plant, care for, or harvest crops in the backyard under normal circumstances.
- The ultimate benefit of increasing the production of your backyard is that it is not prone to attack by large numbers of rebel insects. Home gardeners reduce the number of vegetables they eat so that pests have a hard time discovering home crops. It is also easy to put companion plants in the garden beds so that both can attract beneficial insects and remove unwanted plants. If the insects insist on hanging around, it is easier to remove them in the backyard garden.
Sunlight is necessary for backyard vegetable plants
Backyard vegetable gardening involves choosing a location, gardening planning, soil preparation, seed and plant selection, planting and cultivating plants until they are ready for harvest. The result is fresh produce for eating, sharing, or selling.
Like all plants, vegetables need the sun to start photosynthesis. The fastest-growing vegetables require full sun that means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. If your yard provides partial shade, plant vegetables that can withstand these conditions, such as Lettuce, Blackberries, Chard, Spinach, Chives, Red Pepper, and Celery.
Root vegetables such as Carrots, Radishes, and Beets can grow well if your location receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Or if you have a sunny patio, go for container gardening. This way you can keep sun-loving vegetables like Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Beans, and Basil, where they will work well.
Most vegetable crops need at least 6 hours of full sun a day. Vegetables such as Lettuce and Spinach can tolerate partial shade. Root crops like Carrots and Beets will work well in a place where only the morning sun comes.
Site selection for backyard vegetable farming
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For growing vegetables, choose a location in full sun with easy access to water and well-drained soil. Remember that; avoid locations near trees and large shrubs that will compete with the garden for sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Vegetable plants we grow for their leaves – including leafy greens such as Lettuce, Kale, Chard, and Spinach – and the plants we grow for their storage roots (such as Radishes, Turnips, and Beets) works best with less than 6 hours of sunlight but eight hours or more.
Tomatoes, Squash, and Cucumbers are the vegetables that grow for their fruit and they require at least 8 hours and also grow well with 10 hours of sunlight.
Soil requirement for backyard vegetable farming
Providing adequate soil is an important factor in growing healthy vegetables. Home soil can be wet, sandy, loamy, or rocky. Vegetables need loose, well-drained soil that allows water and nutrients to reach the root zone efficiently. Soil or compact soil can cause standing water, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. Sandy soil allows water and nutrients to be drained out very quickly.
Evaluate your existing soil with a soil test to determine what it needs. Organic modifications such as compost, manure, and insect casting will improve drainage, soil consistency, and nutrients. If your native soil is poor, consider adding raised beds and using a pre-prepared soil mix. Soil is a storehouse for all the elements that plants need to grow nutrients, organic matter, air, and water. Soil also helps plant roots. The soil can be improved every year if you’re prepared properly and the plants will continue to grow forever.
Get basic gardening tools for growing backyard vegetables
At least, when you start your garden you will need to invest in a sturdy shovel and a pair of gloves. But many other tools can come in handy: a potting soil scoop for easy filling of pots and plants, a standard kitchen knife for accurate cutting at the time of harvesting vegetables, and a battery for making drainage holes. When converting found items into planters, a hori hori knife that is useful for splitting root clumps and other coarse garden tasks, cutting hand-pruning stems and branches to half an inch in diameter. For, and a small pruning saw designed for access to narrow spaces when putting down trees and shrubs.
Steps to start a backyard vegetable farming
Follow the step-by-step gardening tips to turn your backyard into a garden.
Step 1) Find your climate zone – Backyard vegetable gardening success depends on the right plant in the right place at the right time. It starts with the crops that are suitable for your climate area and the planting season.
Step 2) Choose the ideal garden location – Most vegetables need several hours of direct sunlight a day, so look for an area that gets enough sun to grow. Growing plants will also be easier on a flat piece of land close to a structure that is slightly covered by air.
Step 3) Sunny spot – Most vegetables need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. There are some vegetables (mostly leafy) that tolerate some shade.
Step 4) You do not need a large yard to grow your vegetables. An area that gets at least 6 hours of full sun is essential to get started. Also, vegetables can be grown on decks or balconies, or in containers in different parts of the yard. Place the tomato plant in a plastic tub on a patio, along the path with lettuce, or grow peas in a hanging basket.
Step 5) Test Your Soil – Before you start gardening, take a soil test, which can be obtained from your local Cooperative Extension Service office for a small fee. In addition to identifying the proportions of soil, sand, silt, and organic matter in your garden soil, you will learn if your pH level is off and if you are deficient in nutrients.
Step 6) Decide whether to grow from seed or transplant seedlings. Starting a seed can save money, but it’s a long process with potential roadblocks. Some are stubborn about seed germination. Others take years to grow healthy plants ready for the harsh outside world. As an alternative, you can also visit your local nursery to buy young plants that grow in commercial greenhouses. Just remember that you don’t necessarily want the largest plants in the batch, as they are often “root bound.” With a dense undergrowth of plant roots under the soil, these plants have grown their pots and may not move well in the garden.
Step 7) Plenty of water – Usually, during the growing season, plants need about an inch of water each week. If it hasn’t rained, make sure you have plenty of water. To finish the task of guessing, there is an easy way to know if the plants are thirsty or not. If it feels dry, it’s time to water mostly. And remember, most plants are slightly drier than wet soup. When watering, your goal is to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Vegetables planting in raised beds in the backyard
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Raised garden beds are a great option – Compared to in-ground beds, they offer the benefits of easy access, better drainage, and faster soil heat in the spring. Digging and tilling beds in the ground is great, but takes years to make good soil. A raised bed full of good soil and compost will give beginners a good start. Even as small as 4×4 feet will hold lots of vegetables and will be manageable.
Location is everything for preparing a raised bed garden, but it doesn’t have to be your backyard. If you have a slope, you’ll want to modify it to see if the area is well ventilated. Provide health control in which you grow your plants.
Growing vegetables in containers in the backyard
If growing in the ground is not an option due to space constraints, poor soil, or lack of sun, then containers are the best alternative. Select dwarf vegetable varieties and shallow-rooted plants such as Lettuce, Radish, Garlic, and Leeks are best for growing vegetables in pots. For containers, you can use almost anything that holds the soil. Remember that container plants need more water than soil, so it’s best not to let them dry completely. Be sure to fertilize your containers during the growing season, use liquid fertilizers such as organic kelp. For those with limited space, many vegetables can be grown in containers on the patio, deck, or balcony. Some plants like Peas, Lettuce, Eggplant, and Dwarf Tomatoes, can even be grown in hanging baskets.
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Green Onions, Beans, Lettuce, Squash, Radishes, and Celery are vegetables that are suited for containers. Pole beans and Cucumbers also growing well, but they require a lot of space due to their habit of growing grapes.
The clay pot is generally more attractive than plastic ones, but plastic pots retain moisture better and do not dry as quickly as unglazed terracotta ones. To get the best of both, slide the plastic pot into a slightly larger clay pot. Follow the instructions on the label with container fertilizer at least twice a month. Vegetable plants in containers need the best possible soil, aeration, and drainage to grow healthy roots and maximize yields. Do not use soil from the garden: it is very heavy, can fill with water, and brings disease and pests. Instead, choose a soilless mix (quick drainage and lightweight) or use compost, with or without soil mix. Many vegetables do very well in containers. By choosing the right plants, you can grow the right amount of food in just a few large pots.
Planting backyard vegetables with seeds, starts, bulbs, or tubers
Growing vegetables from seed
Varieties like Lettuce, Spinach, Radish, Beetroot, Carrot, Bean, and Pea are easy to grow from seed and can be sown directly in the garden. Seeds grow within a certain temperature range, which varies depending on the vegetable. Thin vegetable seedlings at appropriate distances to prevent overcrowding.
Growing vegetables from starts
Growers will have the best success with warm weather crops when grown from starter plants purchased at the Garden Center. Slow-growing, cool-season varieties like Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, and Cabbage are also easy from the start.
Growing vegetables with bulbs or tubers
Onions can be grown with seeds, but bulbs are the easiest. Garlic is grown from cloves, while potatoes are grown from tubers.
Tips for choosing vegetables in the backyard
- Choose what you like to eat – If anyone doesn’t like Brussels sprouts, don’t bother planting them.
- You must know how many vegetables your family will eat – Be careful not to plant too much, as you will thin yourself out by trying to take care of tons of plants.
- Taking care of your vegetable plants during the growing season – Remember that Tomatoes and Zucchini are getting stronger in the middle of summer. If you have become part of the summer, you need someone to take care of the crops or they will suffer. Or, you can grow cold season crops such as Lettuce, Bananas, Peas, and root vegetables during the late spring and cold autumn months.
- Use high-quality seeds – Seed packets are less expensive than individual plants, but if the seeds do not grow, you lose money and time.
- Choose crops that grow in your area – Learn about your climate and growing weather. The best way to find out about your area is to ask others who are gardening nearby.
- Consider growing high-value crops – Types of vegetables do you like to eat. Growing vegetables that will be expensive to buy. Some important high-value vegetable crops are salad vegetables, heirloom tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and garlic.
- Good planning is the key to a successful vegetable garden – Whether you are new to growing your food or have been growing a vegetable garden for years, you will benefit from some planning every year.
Water requirement for backyard vegetable farming
Vegetable plants grow best with consistent watering. Water the plant lightly and repeatedly to establish its roots. As the plants grow, they are waterless and longer to establish deep roots. Apply too much water can cause root rot and fungal diseases. Lack of sufficient water can lead to stunted growth and reduced production.
The most important aspect of gardening is water, which makes up 90% of the weight of plants. Vegetables require an inch of water per week, and you need to provide what is not provided by rain. Water the soil, not the plants. Many diseases are spread by spraying water on the leaves. Excessive water can lead to problems with pests and diseases, as well as washing away nutrients, turning valuable garden resources into polluting nearby rivers. To determine if your plants need water, place your finger in the soil below. If it feels dry 2-4 inches below, it’s time to water.
Nutrients requirement for backyard vegetable farming
All plants need nutrients to grow, with phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium being the basic nutrients. Many pre-packaged fertilizers are made specifically for vegetables to find out what your plants need.
Most gardeners should use a complete fertilizer that contains twice as much nitrogen or potassium as phosphorus. Plants need both micronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are those that plants use in large quantities, while micronutrients are needed only in small amounts or as trace nutrients in the soil. The three basic, essential micronutrients are nitrogen, potassium also called potash and phosphorus. Other essential nutrients include calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
Use mulch – Add a three-inch layer of any organic mulch around your plants and, if possible, over-irrigation lines. Mulch will insulate the soil, helping to keep it cool in summer and warm in winter. It retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and protects plants from soil-borne diseases. And besides, the mulch looks great in the garden. Some mulch may contain unacceptable amounts of harmful chemicals.
Some vegetables to grow well in your backyard garden
Lettuce – Lettuce is very easy to grow, and is a great addition to any home vegetable garden project. Lettuce grows well in container gardens, high bed gardens, and backyard rows. When planting lettuce in pots indoors, especially for pulp types of lettuce, remember to provide the plant with plenty of direct sunlight. Lettuce plants grow better in cold weather, so plan to have a cool place for your growing lettuce plants. Some good lettuce varieties like Iceberg, Romaine, Bibb, Loose Leaf, and Butterhead, are grown in small backyards, containers, or vegetable gardens.
Carrots – Carrots need 6-8 hours of sunlight every day to grow well. Make sure to plant them in an area of the garden where they are not in the shade of fast-growing plants. Speaking of plants that do well in the shade, carrots are another vegetable that also grows in gardens that get a little sun. The real trick to growing great carrots is the quality of the soil you are using. Deep, well-drained soil is ideal for perfect carrots, even better if you plant them on a raised bed. If having perfect carrots is not a concern, they will work well in any soil in your backyard. Carrots need cool soil, good space, and adequate sunlight to grow well. Make sure the soil is evenly moist. They can tolerate a little shade but work best in full sun.
Peas – If you are ready to start early in the spring, peas are a great option to add to your vegetable garden, just make sure your soil is moist before you start. You can also add a sprinkling of wood ash before planting to make sure you get the peas out of the soil. These plants need full sun and soil that grows well. They require less fertilizer than many other vegetables, so it is usually advisable to add a little fertilizer to the soil before planting. To plant peas, choose a place where they can grow trellis or other structures. Peas are cold-weather plants.
Tomatoes – When successfully grown in the backyard, the plant produces tomatoes in three to four months. Choose a place to grow in the warmest part of the yard. Direct sunlight on the south or west sides of the house reflects light from the side of the house. Tomatoes are one of the easiest crops to grow in almost any backyard garden. Then, if you are following tips for growing tomatoes, you can get fresh, delicious tomatoes from your backyard.
Broccoli – This member of the Brassica family is highly valued for its nutritional value and longevity. Growing broccoli at home can also be a relief for the pocketbook as buying broccoli is very expensive. Broccoli can be over-wintered, providing new shoots with smaller swings that are much appreciated in winter. Sow brassicas directly from seed in the ground or small pots. Starter pots are recommended because the plants are easy to protect from birds and mud, and can be moved indoors in poor conditions unless they are strong enough to be transplanted. Broccoli is a cool-season plant that grows best in spring and autumn. It can be planted in early spring for summer harvest, or harvested in late autumn. To avoid the cold, broccoli can also be grown indoors and moved to the garden when the temperature rises. For best results in a container, grow a broccoli plant in a pot.
Radish – Select a location that gets at least 6 hours of sun a day. Radish plants need soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Transplanting disturbs their roots. Anyway, there is not much reason for radish seeds to be sown indoors as radish plants usually germinate quickly and it does not matter if the weather is cold. If your radish plants don’t get at least an inch of rain every week, water them deeply. Sandy soils may need more water. Keep the ground around the radish plants moist but never let them sit in standing water.
Zucchinis – Zucchini is a fun, fast-growing vegetable in the garden. Zucchini plants grow in loose, fertile, and well-drained soil. Like cucumbers, melons, and pumpkins, planting zucchini in small hills or dunes is a great secret of success.
Onions – Onions are part of the Allium family, are a winter crop. There are many types of onions, from sweet onions to red onions and yellow onions, the hardness of which can withstand cold temperatures. Onions need a little nitrogen, so fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizer or manure every few weeks can help the bulbs grow better and bigger. Give your onions about an inch of water per week (and for sweet onions, a little more). However, if you choose to put mulch between rows of your onions, you will not need to add more water. Give them sunshine. Onions should get full sun. Protect your onions from shading to ensure they are exposed to direct sunlight.
Pests and diseases control for backyard vegetable crops
Use patience to control pests – Pests attack at any time in any garden, but using patience, nature will take care of this problem. However, only 3% of all insects in your garden are harmful insects. Follow the steps to promote the growth of healthy plants that can withstand potential pest attacks.
If you have to resort to insecticides, apply them responsibly. This means only late in the day or the evening and then only when necessary. Never apply pesticides in the morning when pollen and beneficial insects are more active. Otherwise, you will kill them too. It is better not to use chemicals everywhere in the food garden. Synthetic and even many organic/natural pesticides are unselected, meaning they will kill beneficial insects. Some problems require special solutions but generally follow these guidelines to keep insects away from your vegetables.
Keep animals out – Large insects, such as deer and rabbits, can wreak havoc in an edible garden. An 8-foot-long fence is needed to prevent deer from jumping into the garden. A fence needs to be raised 6 inches below the ground to prevent rabbits and other ruins from digging their way.
Eliminate pests – Picking up large insects and caterpillars by hand (and putting them in a bucket of sudsy water) is a safe, effective way to deal with limited infections. For large amounts of insects, try the insecticide soap sprays that you can find in most garden centers. Whatever pesticide chemicals you use, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Reduce the chances of fungal diseases by watering the soil, not the leaves of the plants. If you use a sprinkler, do it early in the day so that the leaves are dry overnight. If a plant becomes infected, remove it immediately and throw it in the trash. Do not add diseased plants to your compost pile. Disease prevention includes additional types of vegetables that have been listed against the disease and changes the location of their plants each year.
Plants are less susceptible to pests and diseases when given the right conditions. Some species are more resistant than others. Problems vary according to the type of vegetable and the region.
Harvesting tips for backyard vegetable farming
Pick vegetables when cooked to taste. Use as soon as possible, or can be frozen for later use. If ripe vegetables are not easily removed from the plant, cut them with a knife. Harvest the vegetables when they are dry. Check the garden frequently for harvesting at harvest time.
Size is usually a reliable indicator of maturity, but it takes a little practice to know when certain vegetables are right to choose. Since there may be some variation in the types of vegetables, always check the seed packets or any information that is provided with the purchased transplants to guide the mature size of the vegetables.
The quality of vegetables is highest at harvest time and then begins to decline rapidly. The best harvest time of day for most vegetables is after drying in the morning. This is when they are in their sweetest and juiciest. Avoid picking vegetables in the heat of the day which can wilt immediately.
