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Intro:
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| A plot of land, three square feet or larger Vegetable and herb seeds Digging tools: a shovel, hoe, and spade A hose and an outdoor water supply Soil amendments (see Step 5) Stakes for growing vined vegetables and marking off areas (see Step 6 for options) Paper, a pencil or pen, and a ruler Measuring tape A ball of string Work clothes and gloves Optional: A soil pH balance testing kit Mulch (see Step 7 for options) Fencing materials: chicken wire, wooden stakes, wire cutters, a staple gun, or a hammer and nails Cages (for tomato plants) A wheelbarrow A rototiller (especially if you're working with less-than-perfect soil) A soaker hose or a sprinkler attachment
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| Between one to two months of weekend work (including a full day when you first start out). Tending and harvesting the garden takes a few hours a week throughout the summer. |
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Veg out! Ahh, fresh vegetables: sweet carrots, that succulent squash, crisp lettuce, and the pride of any gardener, those plump, ruby tomatoes plucked right off the vine. If you've been eyeing your neighbor's plot with envy, we'll show you the simple steps that'll take you from the first shovelful of soil to the last picked pepper, turning your thumb to a beautiful shade of green along the way.
Many people shy away from gardening vegetables because they think it requires a large plot of land and constant care. Well, they're only partly right. A garden can be any size, from a few square feet to hundreds. But whatever you choose, a successful garden does require a fair amount of work--particularly in the beginning stages. If you have any physical problems, such as back or knee trouble, make sure you have some help. Another requirement for good gardening is patience. No matter how well you prepare the soil, a seed might not sprout; or when it does, some hungry rabbits might get there before you do. Stick with it, though, because once you get into the rhythm of the work (and taste the results), you'll be hooked for life.
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#0847
Make a Compost Pile
#0900
Prune Bushes and Small Trees
#0550
Water Your Lawn
#0517
Repot a Plant