Southern Gardening Guide

Spruce up your garden with fresh ideas and simple how-tos

Raise Your Own Veggies

How to start your own vegetable garden right in your own back yard.

Building Blocks
Van Chaplin

Building Blocks

“Good soil is the key to a great garden,” says Gene. “If you think you’re going to get serious, save room for at least two compost bins.” Gene adds organic matter to his garden twice a year―in the spring and fall―and amends each time he starts transplants. Dark and rich, the results are visible to the eye.

Good soil can be made even better and bad soil can be improved when you add organic matter. Make your own compost, or purchase it by the bag, as Gene often does. Surprisingly, he’s not picky about what he adds. “Decomposed chicken manure gave me some of the best tomatoes and lettuces I’ve ever had,” he professes.

NextTest Your Soil

Seasonal Crops

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