How to Make Your Garden GrowPeople garden for many reasons, such as getting fresh food on the table, relating to nature, and teaching children responsibility. Whatever gardening vegetable decide to plant a garden, it's important that your plants thrive.If you're a novice gardener, begin small and plant vegetables that your family will enjoy eating. Pick easy-to-grow veggies like beans and peas.LocationThe garden's location is vital to the growth of your crops. No matter if your veggies are in the ground or in containers, the ideal place can make a significant difference in the yields and enjoyment of the garden. Before you start planting and observe the area to see how it performs under different conditions. Find areas that receive all-day sun. Keep in mind the changing conditions for light throughout the year.Ideally your garden should be close to a water source so that it's easy to maintain. But, make sure it's not too close to sewer or water lines, as cutting these lines with a spade may be hazardous, and the presence of water in the garden could increase the likelihood of diseases like fungus and mold. homes gardens is also advisable to have your garden located close to your home to make it easy to manage it. garden plant can be quite a chore and the more accessible it is, the better you can tend to it, and the better it will flourish.Another factor to consider is how your garden is from the paths used by children or pets as well as neighbors. This will stop the plants from being trampled by them and will also protect your garden from deer and other undesirable guests.You'll need to keep your garden away enough from nearby trees. Their roots could take nutrients and water from your vegetables. Avoid placing shrubs close to your garden. Be aware of direction of the wind, as it can blow weed seeds or other undesirable items from other areas of your property into your garden.SoilEvery soil is made up of mineral particles. Certain soil types have higher amounts of one type than others. The ideal garden soil is one that is composed of silt and sand, with varying levels of clay. The best garden soil is full of organic matter and crumbles readily. It holds moisture, but is able to drain well and allows the plant roots to get oxygen.Garden soil is a special type of topsoil which is grown to create the perfect environment to grow flowers, vegetables or other plants in the ground. It's sold at garden centers or home improvement stores in bagged form, which is usually pre-mixed with other materials to suit different kinds of plants.Review the list of ingredients to find out what the soil is made from and the pH. A healthy soil will have a pH between 5 and 7 which means it is high in nutrients.The pH of native soil is usually 5. Most home gardens however, have a pH of about 7. Soil that's too alkaline can stop most plants from growing properly, including certain houseplants, such as African violets that require specific indoor plant soils with added peat.Incorporating organic matter, specifically compost, is by far the most important step you can take to improve your soil. Organic matter contains microorganisms which improve the soil's structure, increase its nutrient level and improve drainage. Regardless of what type of soil you're working with, it's advisable to incorporate an abundance of organic matter in the fall prior to planting and to cover it with it throughout the year. This will ensure your soil gets a great start for the coming season and ensure it continues to improve each year.WaterWater is vital for garden growth. This is especially important during growth phases when seed germination or the emergence from the soil are most challenging. In most cases, a lack of water causes the first signs of stress in plants which is usually wilting, followed by a browning of the leaf's edges and tips. When watering, soak the soil until it is moist to about an inch below the surface, and repeat the process as needed. Avoid watering the soil to the point at which runoff happens, as this can wash away nutrients from the garden.Photosynthesis is a process by which plants utilize CO2 and water to make food. This happens on their leaves. The carbon dioxide is absorbed through microscopic holes in the leaves, referred to as stomata. The water vapor escapes via the process known as transpiration. This process cools plants and allows them to be watered without wasting water on spraying or leaving it to flow off the leaves.When possible make use of rainwater to water your garden. This is a cheaper method of watering, and it can reduce the amount of fertilizer and pest controls that you must apply to your garden. If rainwater isn't available, use water with low sodium content. The higher the sodium concentration, the more it will strip the soil of essential nutrients and negatively impact the growth of your plants. The soil is the primary target for watering, but the plants will help prevent diseases spread by splashing water onto the leaves.FertilizerAs people require an extensive diet, plants and crops need a balanced diet of nutrients to thrive. Fertilizers can provide this. Fertilizers enhance soil fertility and can replace chemical elements that were taken from the soil through previous plantations or weathering. They also ensure that a field or garden has enough essential elements like nitrogen phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizers come in different forms and are made from either natural or manufactured materials. They can be sprayed onto the soil surface or into the plant's leaves, stems and roots. They may be granular, liquid or slow-release. The duration of the fertiliser can vary, ranging from a few weeks to several months.The right fertilizer for a particular vegetable is vital. Different crops require different amounts and types of nutrients. Using a general fertilizer might not be efficient. A general fertilizer won't be as effective if certain soil conditions are present. Fertilizers that are specifically formulated for vegetables take these conditions into consideration and will give the most effective results.The majority of granular fertilizers can be spread by a spreader or by hand over the ground prior to seeding or transplanting. This is referred to as a starter fertilizer or pre-planting and is generally carried out at the start of the growing season when the soil is able to work. The granules will disintegrate into the soil and provide the nutrients required by the roots of young crops. Liquid fertilizers are sprayed with watering cans or sprayers that is attached to the hose. They can be used as a foliar feed, which is a spray that can be applied to the entire plant. They must be diluted according to instructions to avoid burning the leaves, and are typically used to provide an instant boost or to add micronutrients.PestsCertain fruits, vegetables and flowers can be susceptible to pest infestation. Some pests, however can be beneficial as pollinators and predators of harmful insects who feed on these plants. By creating a garden which attracts beneficial bugs and deters harmful insects, you will reduce the amount of chemical required to keep your crops healthy.Holes in the leaves, roots that are displaced as well as distorted fruits and vegetables discolored foliage, and a sticky residue are all common signs of insect damage to your garden. You can prevent some damage even if inevitable. By keeping track of the signs immediately they are noticed. This will allow you to identify the signs of plant disease or insect damage.Cucumber beetles, which have stripes of black and orange are among the most common vegetable garden pests and can wreck havoc on seedlings, leaves, vines and fruits. These pests are also known to spread bacteria that can kill your plants. Crop rotation, mulching, and varieties that are resistant to planting are the best ways to stop cucumber beetles.Cutworms are another common pest in vegetable gardens. They feed on the stems and leaves of young plants, but can also cause serious damage to older plants with their tougher stems. They are active during sunset, and are difficult to detect absent regular garden inspections performed. You can try spraying mineral oil on your plants or adding nasturtiums to your vegetable garden.Slugs have a slimy soft body and eat through leaves and flowers. They leave behind unsightly shiny trails of slime. Slugs are more common in damp and cool conditions. To stop slugs from entering your garden create traps, you can place empty tuna fish cans that are filled with beer at ground level. You can also try sprinkling the soil with sharp sand, wood ashes, crushed shells or diatomaceous earth (a powdered form of fossilized algae) to prevent them from crawling up your plants.