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| Photo Credit: Mary Moore |
| Kitchen gardens can be just as playful and pretty as flower beds. |
In the town I grew up in, growing tomatoes was almost a sport. People competed to see who had the earliest, the biggest and the tastiest tomatoes. By the end of summer, we had so many tomatoes, we were all giving them away to anyone who would take them!
In recent years, however, more people have turned to growing “kitchen gardens” – small, carefully planned gardens for growing just enough to feed the family. It doesn’t take much to get these plots going. You just need a spot with at least six hours of sun and good drainage. Once you know where you’ll plant, you can start planning your kitchen garden. If this is your first garden, start small and add to it gradually. When you decide on your overall plan, divide it into different sections and prepare each spot one at a time. As your skills grow, so will your garden –and you’ll be less likely to quit because you won’t feel too overwhelmed. | Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: Mary Moore | | Use ornamental pots for plants with special soil needs, like this young rhubarb. |
Don’t know what to grow? Take some time to consider the foods you and your family like to eat. Do you use many tomatoes and peppers, or do you prefer hearty root crops like potatoes or carrots? Do you eat a lot of salads or dine on squash and cabbage? Are there any fruits you particularly enjoy, like grapes, blueberries or figs? Thinking your needs through will help you figure out which plants and seeds to purchase, as well as how many you’ll need. (It may take you a few years to get it down just right, but think of the fun you’ll have feasting on your garden’s bounty when you miscalculate!)
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