Small Town News

Planning successful vegetable garden

---

Edible gardening will continue to be a popular trend this year, according to a recent survey by the Garden Writers Association. More than 41 million U.S. households grew a vegetable garden last year and 37 percent plan to do more edible gardening in 2010. (Only one percent planned to plant less this year.)

A combination of factors is driving the trend: The desire to consume locally grown foods and save money as well as Gen X and Y consumers embracing the idea of self-sufficiency. Add the year-old White House vegetable garden to the mix and seed companies tapping into reserves to keep up with demand and you've got a gardening boom.

"In this economy, everyone Is looking for a way to make their money go farther," says Bayer Advancedâ„¢ Garden Expert Lance Walhelm, author of "Vegetable Gardening." "Growing your own healthy vegetables to your garden Is a great way to reduce your grocery bill while creating a nutritious supply Of food from your own backyard."

Here are a few tips on making the most of your backyard vegetable garden:

Choose your veggies: Do your homework on seed, plant and variety options, and involve your family to the selection.

Pick a sunny spot for your garden: Most vegetables need six to eight hours of direct sun each day. The area you choose should drain well, but will still benefit from the addition of lots of organic, matter, so you have the best growing conditions.

Mark your rows: Use string to mark off the individual rows of vegetables you'll plant and make plans for irrigation. Remember that rows running east to west will get the best sun exposure.

Add mulch and fertilize: Mulch your rows to keep weeds from popping up arid fertilize regularly.

Protect against pests and diseases: The new Bayer Advanced Natria Insectlcldal Soap protects your vegetable garden against pests such as aphlds, thrips, spider mites and white-flies, as well as diseases such as blight and powdery mildew, among others. Be sure to read and follow all label directions.

Visit BayerAdvanced.com for more information and how-to videos or call (877) BAYERAG.



Copyright 2010 The Times-Argus, Central City, Kentucky. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 The Times-Argus Central City, Kentucky. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

More from The Times-Argus