How+to+Grow+Your+Own+Garden

=Starting your own garden may seem like a challenge at first, but it's really quite easy! Not only will you be saving money, but you'll be eating healthier as well! Fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruit will be available to you and your family all season long! = == =__Just follow these 7 easy steps and your garden will be growing in no time!__ = =1. Plan your garden today to ensure summer success. Decide what you’d like to grow. How much space can you devote to the project? Do you want your garden in a contained area? How much time are you willing to spend? Answering these questions will help you to determine what and how much you want to grow.= =2. When planning your garden, __it’s better to start too small than to start too large__. In order to enjoy your garden, you must be able to control it.= =3. Choose productive plants. Some plants are easier to grow than others. Also, choose plants, vegetables, and fruits that you like to eat. Don't waste time and food growing things that you wouldn't enjoy snacking on or eating.= =4. Share with others. When you buy a packet of seeds, you generally receive more than you need. It’s fun and cheaper to split the seeds and costs with others. Share equipment with others as well!= =5. Buy quality! When you buy tools, it pays to purchase quality. Remember: thrift and frugality are about getting more value for your dollar — not just paying the cheapest price.= =6. Research and read up on the subject. Everything from different types of soil to plant food are available in books, websites, or even asking for help at your nearest plant store.= =7. Remember to have fun! Gardening is suppose to be a fun way to relieve stress! It allows you to finally get down and dirty, while working on something delicious at the same time!= == =__Here are some books and websites that I found helpful and interesting:__= =__Books__=
 * __The Vegetable Gardener's Bible__ by Edward C. Smith
 * __Square Foot Gardening__ by Mel Bartholomew
 * __Crops in Pots__ by Bob Purnell
 * __The Bountiful Container__ by Rose Marie Nichols McGee and Maggie Stuckey
 * __Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades__ by Steve Solomon



=**__Websites__**= 
 * [|www.verdant.net/food.htm] Learn how to grow some or most of your own food or teach others!
 * [|www.copper-tree.ca/**garden**/] Gardening Resource for kids.
 * [|www.the**garden**helper.com/garveg.html] Tips growing your own vegetables and fruit.

__**Have fun getting started!!! **__