Beginners and intermediate gardeners will find transplanting vegetable plants and fruit plants from garden centers and nurseries easier than growing plants from seeds. Garden centers have the expertise to grow plants and will give you a good start in growing vegetables with a short growing season. These centers come in handy as gardening sales are increasing, with Comfy Living reporting that in 2018 gardening sales increased by 10%. Today, many consumers are gardening to provide fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruit for home gardens. But what are the best foods to plant in your garden? Keep reading to find out.
Peppers
Peppers are easy to grow from transplants and most garden centers have a variety of bell pepper and hotter varieties. You will want to choose a variety that you like to eat. Luckily, bell peppers come in green, red, yellow, orange, and purple colors with different flavors.
You should plant them in the spring in the garden when the danger of frost is past. They should be planted in well-drained soil with an area that gets six to eight hours of sun daily. The soil should have phosphorus and calcium, two ingredients that help peppers grow well. Keep the soil moist but do not overwater the plants. Test soil and make sure ph. is 5.8 to 6.5. When picked, and keep them in the refrigerator.
Tomatoes
There are many varieties of tomatoes in different regions, and you should plant them in late spring when the soil warms up. Choose a type of tomato that you like to eat and will use in cooking. Adding compost and evaluating the soil for the right ph balance will help you grow a healthy crop at home. They should be watered and fertilized too.
When planting in the ground, remove the lower leaves and dig a hole deep enough to bury the roots. Space plants 24 to 30 inches apart. Water plants to keep moist but never soggy. To keep weeds at bay, mulch around the tomato plants. According to Your Green Pal, over 25% of consumers have household gardens. Choosing easy-to-raise vegetables gives you the incentive to keep gardening year to year.
Lettuce
You can grow lettuce in your garden in the spring. They endure cool temperatures, so transplanting in early spring is a good time. There are many kinds of lettuce, romaine, green leaf, red leaf, and other kinds to plant long before the warmer weather.
This best spot in the garden should receive full sun, but when planted in warm climates, partial shade works well. Tomatoes grow well in cool moist soil with organic material added. Transplants should be spaced 8-10 inches apart and watered lightly but frequently to promote growth. Weeds frequently and some gardens use row covers and shade cloth to promote healthy growth in very sunny spots.
Herbs
Herbs are easy to find in the garden center and not expensive to buy as transplants. You can grow them in the garden or in containers. The best time to plant them is mid-spring when the time for frost has passed. Most do well in full sun and well-drained soil.
Plant herbs about 8-10 inches deep in well-drained composted soil. Allow 12-18 inches between plant water well. Water when dry to keep moist and remove yellow leaves and weeds. The best herbs to grow in your garden are basil, oregano, chives, rosemary, parsley, and sage. They taste good in salads, stews, sauces, and main dishes.
Strawberries
You can purchase strawberry plants at your garden center ready to plant in your garden or grow in containers. They have different varieties to choose from. Plant them in full sun and remove all weeds before planting. Plant in soil with good ph and plenty of compost. Dig a hole deep enough to spread and cover the roots. Use the recommended fertilizer monthly and keep it moist but not soggy. Other fruits to consider are raspberries and blueberries. Consult your garden center about how to grow them and how to maintain them.
About 81% of Americans have a lawn, according to the National Association of Landscaping Professionals. Many are adding a garden with fruits and vegetables in the backyard or in containers. Finding it is easy to grow and fruit will give you the enthusiasm to grow your home garden every year.
