Vegetables (and some fruit) for sale on a stre...Image via WikipediaThe idea of having your own backyard garden where you can grow your own vegetables is becoming more and more attractive as the cost of living just keeps going up. This is one way to save a bit of money and even make your family healthier by feeding them fresh produce and herbs right from your backyard garden.

My dad used to plan vegetables that would give us rewards early, like lettuce and radishes. He also planted for the middle and even late season. We even had stuff that he would dig out from under that snow, like Cale.

Sunlight and plenty of it is what most vegetables require, at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and for some others you might even need 8 hours of sunlight.

Short of garden space? Well the quick growers like lettuce and radish can be grown between the rows of plants that take longer to mature, like beet or corn, thus making full use of the area available.

Throughout dry periods, vegetable gardens need extra watering. Most vegetables benefit from an inch or more of water each week, especially when they are fruiting. Don’t slack of now after putting in so much planning. Just like you and me, not enough water causes dehydration, which makes for a bad crop.

During the growing season watch for insect pests. If you discover a bug problem early it will be much easier, but be careful to not use pesticides once the vegetable are close to being picked unless it becomes an absolute necessity. Organic gardening is one healthy and environment-friendly option. Once you have reaped your crop, put the vegetable waste into your compost pile so that it can be recycled for next spring.

It is important to protect your vegetable garden from wild animals looking for a tasty treat. Make sure your garden is surrounded by a fence that will keep out dogs, rabbits, and other animals. The harm done by wandering animals during one season can equal the cost of a fence. A fence also can serve as a frame for peas, beans, tomatoes, and other crops that need support.

Protection is needed in order for your vegetable garden to yield a bountiful harvest. Hard work will pay dividends if necessary precautions have been made.

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