Growing a vegetable garden is a rewarding experience, and your family will get to enjoy the benefits of all your efforts in the form of fresh, crisp veggies. Before you head to Racine’s Feed, Garden & Supply in Robertsdale, AL, to pick up all your gardening supplies and get planting, there’s a lot of planning to do. Think through a few key factors as you plan your garden to ensure your plants will thrive.

What to Consider When Planning a Vegetable Garden

1. Sun

Go out into your yard at various times of the day to see which areas get the most sun during the spring and summer. Vegetables need six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day to grow best. Find a spot away from structures or tall plants that would cast shade over your plants and stunt their growth.

2. Irrigation

Vegetable plants are thirsty. The ideal garden is one in which every seedling gets a reliable amount of water. Instead of the automatic sprinklers you may have in other parts of the yard, drip irrigation is a good choice for most vegetable plants. These conserve water, since it won’t evaporate in the air on the way to the plants, and they are efficient because they deliver water straight to the roots.

3. Layout

Determine whether you’re going to use raised gardening beds or traditional rows of plants in the ground. You may need to test the soil to figure out which gardening supplies will work best. If your soil is lacking in organic matter and nutrients, then choose raised beds with compost. You should also research the amount of space that each plant type needs to avoid overcrowding.  

When you’re ready to start on your garden, Racine’s Feed, Garden & Supply is your source for all your gardening supplies. Their garden center carries everything from fertilizer to fruit trees. Call them at (251) 947-3003 to ask their knowledgeable feed store staff for advice on your new garden or to ask about the products they carry. You can also visit them online for more information on gardening supplies, tools, and soil options.