How do I start an outdoor garden?

• First decide what you'd like to plant in relation to how much space you have. Growing requirements are provided on seed packets, in catalogs, and on nursery tags.
• You'll need a flat spot that gets full sun.
• Break up and turn the soil. Than add compost or other organic material.
• Schedule plantings around the two main growing seasons which vary by region: cool (spring and fall) and warm (summer). Common cool-season vegetables include lettuce, carrots, peas, radishes, spinach, potatoes, broccoli and turnips. Warm-season crops include beans, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, peppers, pumpkins, squash and tomatoes.
• You can purchase seedlings, but starting from seeds is less expensive.  Plant the seeds directly in the ground as directed on the package.
• Some plants tend to do better when set out in the garden as seedlings: eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.