![\"Garden](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/northtexasvegetablegardeners.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Garden-for-Vegetables.jpg?resize=600%2C280\")
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Planting a vegetable garden in your yard is a sustainable and affordable way to provide food for your family. If you\u2019re thinking about creating a vegetable garden this spring, follow these tips on how to get started, what to grow and how to make it thrive. It\u2019s best to start planning in the fall so you have ground that\u2019s easy to work with in the spring, but if your spring garden is more of a whim, that\u2019s OK! There are ways to start a vegetable garden from scratch in the spring.<\/p>\n
Fall preparation for planting a vegetable garden<\/strong> Winter planning for your spring vegetable garden<\/strong> Spring garden prep<\/strong> Start tilling at a shallow setting to loosen the soil, then add compost and adjust the depth setting on your garden tiller to go deeper. Don\u2019t try to apply pressure to your garden tiller to make it dig deeper. After you have your soil tilled, use the edging tool to create your rows, make your signs and plant your seeds. Follow the instructions on the packages for planting depth and proper watering to help them grow.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Kale These plants will survive well despite the shorter days and cooler temperatures.<\/p>\n
\nWhen you\u2019re thinking about starting a vegetable garden, fall planning can help make creating your spring garden easier. After you\u2019re finished mowing the lawn in the fall, lay down news print and cardboard on the plot where your spring garden will be. This is an effective, safe and environmentally friendly way to kill the grass so it doesn\u2019t creep back up in your vegetable garden.<\/p>\n
\nCold weather have you down? Start planning your spring garden to beat the winter blues! If you\u2019re planting from seeds, place your orders now. You can even start them inside six-to-eight weeks before your area\u2019s frost-free date (when you\u2019re least likely to have frost that will damage your vegetable garden). If you\u2019re going to use seedlings, which may be easier if it\u2019s your first garden, you can plan now and buy later. You should also use this time to check out deals on garden tillers<\/a> and other tools you\u2019ll need to plant your garden in the spring.<\/p>\n
\nIn the spring, spend time pulling rocks and weeds from where you\u2019ll plant your garden. It\u2019s important to fully pull out the weeds as just turning them over with your garden tiller will allow them to regrow alongside your new plants. Water the soil to soften the ground and loosen it with a shovel to get it started. If you didn\u2019t get to kill the grass in the fall, it will be harder to till, and the grass may regrow in your garden. You may want to dig up the sod and move it to another area of the garden, replacing it with potting soil and compost, rather than turning it under.<\/p>\n![\"Vegetable](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/northtexasvegetablegardeners.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Vegetable-Gardening.jpg?resize=600%2C496\")
\nWhat to plant in your spring vegetable garden<\/strong>
\nWhen you\u2019re first planting your garden it\u2019s important to choose plants that are hardy enough to handle colder weather. Summer crops like tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers come later, but for now, focus on these tough veggies to get your garden started:<\/p>\n
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Lettuce
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Collard greens
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Snow peas
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Cabbage
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Broccoli
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Arugula
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Beets
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Carrots
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Onions
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Potatoes
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Spinach
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Radishes
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Turnips
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Herbs<\/p>\n