THESE ERRORS THAT ARE OFTEN FOUND IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN

The enthusiasm for vegetable gardens is not waning. In recent years, the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and herbs has been gaining more and more followers. With the ever-increasing grocery prices, this major trend is not about to fade away... and that's a good thing! Having fresh and delicious products at your fingertips is really great, and it's not rocket science. You just need to plan well and avoid some common mistakes made by beginner gardeners.

GIVING IN TO SPRING FEVER

The weather is nice and warm, spring is well settled, but don't be too hasty in planting your edibles in the garden. The days may be comfortable, but the nights can be cool, too much so for your fragile plants. Some vegetables are less sensitive to cold and can tolerate cooler temperatures, but not all. Follow the instructions on seed packets or consult your Passion Jardins gardening advisors to know when to plant or sow.

NEGLECTING SOIL PREPARATION

Just as plants are fed with fertilizers, it is essential to nourish the soil by adding organic matter to stimulate the microbial and biological activity of the soil. Adding Passion Jardins® Marine Compost will stimulate plant growth for abundant and delicious harvests. Take the time to properly prepare your soil; the results will be surprising, and you'll enjoy them for a long time.

CHOOSING THE WRONG LOCATION

Whether you plant in the ground or in pots, your vegetable and herb plants need at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day to develop healthily and provide the harvests you hope for. If you opt for container gardening, you can always move your pots to follow the sun's movement, but by choosing the best possible location from the start, you're less likely to forget or neglect this crucial step. Also, consider that your plants will grow taller and could cast shadows on shorter plants. Think about this when planting, especially if you need to install a trellis for climbing cucumbers and beans, for example.

NOT MAINTAINING PROPERLY

It is very important to keep your vegetable garden well-organized and not let it be overrun by weeds. Regularly pull out unwanted plants growing among your crops. Take the opportunity to tie up drooping branches that approach the ground and pick up any fallen fruits. Prune dry leaves and harvest regularly when vegetables reach maturity. By regularly walking through your garden, you can detect harmful insects more quickly and act before they damage your precious plants.

Pro tip: to make your task easier, you can mulch your garden with natural mulch or straw. Besides keeping the soil moist, mulch limits weed growth.

CHOOSING THE WRONG VARIETIES

To succeed in your garden, you need to make wise choices and opt for vegetables and herbs that:

1. Suit your hardiness zone.
   Your geographical location and the prevailing climate influence your choice of plants; some are more suitable than others.
2. Are suited to your gardening skills.
   If you're just starting with gardening, choose easy-to-grow plants like lettuce, zucchini, and chives. Wait until you have a few years of experience before trying celery and cauliflower.
3. Are liked by your family.
   Even if it's not a mistake in itself, make sure that what grows in your garden will be appreciated by your family to avoid waste.

If you want to fully enjoy your garden and savor the wonderful fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that you will harvest in abundance, it's important to do things right and not get too carried away. Trust the experience and expertise of your favorite Passion Jardins retailer, who can help you plan and maintain your garden to maximize your chances of success.