STARTING A VEGETABLE GARDEN

Late blight disease has been a widespread problem for home gardeners growing tomatoes or potatoes this season. Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about late blight

Choose a sunny spot; most vegetables need at least 8 hours a day of direct sun. Dig up an area 8-10” deep, removing the sod and weeds (add these to your compost pile).
Environmentally Sound Gardening Practices
Getting Started

Do a soil test to determine acidity, nutrient levels, and possible toxic elements.
Problem Soils

Add lime according to the results of the soil test and mix it in.

Mix in some compost.
Improving Soil Structure

Plant your seeds and transplants.
Garlic 1
Garlic 2
Growing Heirloom Varieties
Growing Herbs
Planting Chart
Planting for Pollinators
Summer Squash, Growing
Sweet Corn
Tomatoes, Growing 1
Tomatoes, Growing 2
Tomatoes, Planting

Fertilize periodically.
Fertilizing Guidelines
Fertilizers in the Vegetable Garden
Organic Fertilizers

For an organic garden, use organic fertilizers available from a garden center or manure. If making raised beds, avoid pressure or chemically treated wood.
Organic Gardening
Raised Beds

Be on the lookout for disease and insect problems.
INSECTS
Cabbage Maggot
Colorado Potato Beetle
Early Spring Garden Pests
Insect Management in the Home Vegetable Garden
Steps to Take to Prevent Insect Problems
What's Eating My Vegetable Garden

DISEASES
Disease Management in the Home Garden
Tomato Problems - Early Blight

Water as needed!
Water Conservation in the Vegetable Garden

Harvesting
Dry Storage of Vegetable Crops
Harvesting Vegetables

Other Useful Fact Sheets
Animal Repellants
Container Gardening for Vegetables
Cover Crops
End of Season Chores
Season Extenders
Seed Saving
Ten Tricks for Growing Better Tomatoes