It’s almost summertime, which means it’s time to get our vegetable gardens ready! There are many reasons to grow your own veggie garden – who doesn’t want access to fresh, delicious vegetables in your backyard? Because we’ve had so much cool weather this year, it’s not too late to get planting!

First, make sure the location you are planting in has access to full sunlight throughout the day. Most vegetables need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ensure it’s in a stable environment where it’s not too windy, too dry, or a place prone to flooding in the rain. A good-sized garden for a beginner is about 16×10 feet and has easy to grow crops. A plot this size can feed a family of four for one summer with a little left over for canning and freezing!

Selecting the soil to add to your garden is your next step. It’s important to have soft, nutritious soil that plant roots can easily penetrate and grow strong in. Rather than planting directly into the ground or in a pot, it is always beneficial to add some fresh gardening soil to the top several inches of your garden. Miracle Grow Garden Soil is a great option and can be found at Ace Hardware of Fort Collins.

Now it’s time for planting! If you wish to plant seeds, pay attention to what type you are planting. Vegetable seeds that do well starting in June are broccoli, carrots, pumpkins, and cucumbers. However, container plants may be easier to grow.  We have tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and so much more! Container plants can be transferred to a garden or remain in their container or a patio pot. At Ace Hardware, we have tomato plants that are in ideal growing containers already. Simply take them home as is!

After deciding on seeds or plants, make sure to space your crops properly. Plants set too close together compete for sunlight, water, nutrition, and they fail to mature. Spacing guidelines can be found on seed packets or plant tabs and online.

When the planting is done, all that is left is watering properly and harvesting at the right time. Water your plants around twice a day but check the recommended amount specifically for each plant. Even though you will be eager to harvest your vegetables, make sure to wait the appropriate time for them to fully develop. Applying fertilizer is an important step in growing strong, healthy plants. There are fertilizers specific for vegetable plants and flowers. Miracle Gro even has a fertilizer specific for tomato plants which is available at Ace Hardware of Fort Collins. Fertilizer should be applied every 10-14 days. Be careful to follow the instructions closely so as not to burn the plants.

If you have more questions about creating your vegetable garden, come by Ace Hardware of Fort Collins at 1001 E. Harmony Road to get some professional tips, tools, and products to make your garden successful this summer!