Revival of the veggie garden

File photo Planting seeds now means growers may enjoy the fruits - and vegetables - of their labor throughout the summer.

There is nothing quite like the taste of a fresh garden tomato. Each summer gardeners anxiously await the first ripe fruit of the season, anticipating the rich, sweet flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture one can only find in a homegrown tomato.

This year, many more families will experience that fresh garden taste as they partake in a revival of sorts - the resurrection of the vegetable garden. Some are attracted to the idea of growing their own food from an economic standpoint while others see veggie gardens as returning to simpler times. Whatever the reason, more Chesterfield residents will be turning to their backyards for produce.

Anyone can have a veggie garden, even with a busy schedule and postage-stamp-sized lot! The great thing about vegetable gardening is that you can make it as simple or complex as you want. A few potted tomatoes on the patio, a raised bed or two, and the traditional row variety all constitute vegetable gardens.

If you're considering growing vegetables at home, here are some pointers to get you started:

• You don't need a half-acre plot of land and lots of fancy equipment to grow vegetables. All you need is a little space in a sunny area with access to water and you're set. Locate your garden somewhere convenient and close to the house, for example by your back door. If you can see it or walk by it often, you are more likely to remember to water and maintain your garden.

• Start small. It's easy to get overwhelmed by a large garden if you're not used to the time and effort it takes to maintain it. Veggies can be grown in small raised beds or even in containers on the patio. Consider a "square-foot" garden which is easily maintained in about 10 minutes a day.

• The heavy clay soil in Chesterfield County can make gardening difficult. If you plan a traditional row garden, start with a soil test to determine how to amend your soil in order to get a good crop. Chances are you will need to add some lime and compost; your soil test results will tell you how much you need. To avoid amending the clay, garden in containers.

• If using containers or raised beds, buy potting mix rather than garden soil. Garden soil is too dense for containers and will have poor drainage and aeration, causing plants to fail.

• Consider "sub-irrigated" containers, such as the Earthbox (www.earthbox.com), which use less water than other types of containers and make it impossible to drown your plants.

• Stick to a few crops instead of trying a little of everything. Tomatoes, bell peppers and cucumbers are the most popular choices, and all three are easy to grow.

• Remember to water. Container-grown plants will need to be watered more often than a traditional in-ground garden. Check your plants at least once a day to prevent wilting.

• Monitor your plants for pest or disease problems. By taking a few minutes to look over your garden each day you can nip problems in the bud.

• If you are experiencing a problem with your vegetable plants, give the extension office a call (751-4401) to walk you through it. Many problems can be solved by simple means. If you choose to use a pesticide to address your problem always read the label before applying. Some pesticides cannot be used on edible plants, and others require a waiting period before harvesting.

• Veggie plants will be available at the garden centers in early April. However, the county can experience frost through the end of April. If you choose to set out plants before May, monitor the weather forecast and provide frost protection to tender plants such as tomatoes.

If you're looking for inspiration, stop by the extension office to see our demonstration gardens - a raised bed "square-foot" garden and veggies being grown in containers. We can also provide specific growing information on crops of interest. For more information, call 751-4401.