Growing vegetables from seeds allows you to have more culinary diversity

Although I consider myself a thrifty shopper, I often leave the grocery store feeling very light in the wallet. There are certain things I won't compromise on, like healthy, organic ingredients. To keep costs down, several years ago I began growing my own vegetables by filling my plot with young plants from a local farm, eventually graduating to growing my own inexpensive and easy vegetables from seed.

Growing vegetables from seed allows you to have greater culinary diversity and extend your planting time to enjoy subsequent harvests. All vegetables can be grown from seed, but those sown directly in the garden are the easiest. You can try growing row and mound vegetables and get great results, all without the extra effort that often goes into starting indoor seeds.

Most seeds require a shallow trench

Direct sowing of vegetable seeds is usually done in a shallow trench once the soil temperature has reached approximately 50°F to 60ºF. The depth of the trench and the correct soil temperature depend on the vegetable, so be sure to follow the planting recommendations.

Start with good soil and a weed-free bed, and apply compost 2 to 3 inches deep over the entire planting area. Most vegetable gardeners recommend doing this step in the fall to give the compost a chance to break down, but I often run out of time and believe that strengthening the soil in the spring is better than not doing it. It doesn't matter when I fertilize, I always fertilize in the spring and use a naturally derived granular fertilizer.

Using the corner of a spade or similar hand tool, I cut a shallow trench, place the seeds at the recommended spacing, and gently cover them with soil. For smaller seeds, I use a hand-held seed drill. To keep track of my rows, I put a tag on one end and a stick on the other. You can use stakes and string to guide you, but for the sake of time, I just kept track of my rows.

After planting, water your rows with a soft spray. Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) until the seed germinates. Then water regularly throughout the season using a soaker hose or drip irrigation (place at planting time). Overhead sprinklers are acceptable but can promote foliar diseases.

Once your seedlings sprout, you may find that your seed spacing isn't as good as you thought. When the plants reach about 2 inches tall, thin out some of the base with scissors to provide enough elbow room for the remaining seedlings. Do not pull them: this will damage the roots of the guards. As the seedlings grow in size and temperatures increase, put down 2 to 3 inches of straw mulch between your rows, a few inches away from the base of your plants. This will help retain moisture, prevent weeds, and keep your vegetables healthy and strong.

Seeds to be sown below ground

Bush beans

Recommended Varieties: 'Provider' and 'Bush Blue Lake'

Care Tips: Bush beans require average moisture and moderately fertile soil. Inoculated seeds are said to yield up to twice as many beans. For continuous harvest, sow seeds every two weeks until 8 to 10 weeks after fall frost.

Harvest: 50 to 70 days after germination, depending on the variety

Carrot

Recommended Varieties: 'Scarlet Nantes' and 'Sugarsnacks'

Care Tips: Carrots prefer sandy loam that can be easily penetrated by the roots. Avoid rocky and overly fertile soils. Keep the soil evenly moist. For continuous harvest, seeds should be sown every three weeks in early summer.

Harvest: 55 to 95 days after germination, depending on the variety

Radish

Recommended Varieties: 'Cherry Belly' and 'Easter Egg'

Care Tips: Most radishes like to be kept moist and cool. Some varieties, such as 'Cherry Belly', can withstand summer heat and last all season if planted every two weeks.

Harvest: 20 to 65 days after germination, depending on the variety

Seeds to be sown in mounds

Squash

Recommended varieties: 'Raven' zucchini and 'Waltham' butternut squash

Care Tips: Give the squash plenty of space and water the plants at the base to reduce mildew. Squash appreciates regular feeding and regular feeding and adequate moisture.

Harvest: 50 to 110 days after germination, depending on the variety

Cucumbers

Recommended varieties: 'Marketmore 76' for cutting and 'National' for pickling

Care Tips: Cucumbers appreciate deep, regular watering. They are heavy feeders and don't mind another taste of fertilizer mid-season. For a bountiful harvest, plant every three weeks until 12 to 14 weeks after fall frost.

Harvest: 50 to 80 days after germination, depending on the variety

Watermelons

Recommended Varieties: 'Sugar Baby' and 'Crimson Sweet'

Care Tips: Watermelons love heat; Lots of food; and well-drained, loamy soil. For best results, keep the soil moist and the maturing fruit off the ground.

Harvest: 60 to 100 days after germination, depending on the variety

Sound growing advice

Like gardening with ornamentals, learning to grow vegetables involves some trial and error. Here are some tips to help you set yourself up for success.

Shape your soil. Most vegetables prefer well-drained, organic clay. If you don't have that, start with compost and compost and amend accordingly. If you have particularly poor drainage, create raised beds.

Monitor the soil temperature. Successful seed germination has a lot to do with soil temperature. Purchase a soil thermometer at a garden center or online; It is worth the few bucks you spend.

Move the plantings. Crop rotation helps keep pest and disease problems at bay and prevents soil-nutrient depletion. A good rule of thumb is to wait three years to bring a crop back to the same spot.

Light the vegetables. Vegetables need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight. If they don't get it, prepare for sick plants and low yields.