Must-Know Basics for the Budding Gardener

With spring right around the corner it's time, if you haven't done so already, to get your garden beds ready to plant warm-season vegetables.

WHEN TO START
Warm-season crops require warm weather and warm soil for healthy growth: beans, corn, cucumbers, gourds, melons, squash, peppers, sunflowers, tomatoes and tender herbs like basil can all be planted once evening temperatures remain above 50. I usually plant around April 1st.

BEFORE YOUR PLANT
Start with clean garden beds, remove any debris leftover from the cool-season vegetable garden -- weeds, leaves, etc. Each season we want to make sure that there are enough nutrients in the soil to grow happy, healthy plants -- feed the soil not the plant. Work a 4 - 5 inch layer of organic compost into the soil now and again before cool season vegetable planting.  Once the compost is incorporated, you are ready to plant.

Get Inspired! See Photo of Nature's Beautiful Blooms

WHAT YOUR GARDEN NEEDS
If you are just getting starting, please keep the following in mind: your vegetable garden will need plenty of sunlight -- 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day will produce the most healthy, flavorful crop. The garden should be placed in a convenient location with access to water. Starting with the best soil from a local garden center will help you get the best results. Be sure to amend the soil with compost for each subsequent planting season.

TO GET STARTED QUICKLY...
You can start by planting a tomato and some herbs in a container or tucking a few edible plants into existing flower beds. Or, convert a section of your lawn to a vegetable garden -- it will cost less to water and you'll have some great tasting veggies all season long.

Dominick Fiume is president of Slow Food Urban San Diego and a University of California Cooperative Extension certified Master Gardener.