• Ask Mark
    • Search the Library
    • Mark’s Blog
    • eNewsletter / Subscribe
    • Books
    • Links
  • Cullen’s Foods
  • Trees For Life
  • Events
    • Gardening Communities
  • About Mark
    • Mark and Ben’s Bio
    • Book Mark as a Speaker
    • Mark in the Media
    • Contact Us
April 23, 2013

It’s Your Year to Grow Veggies

 As many of us are gearing up for the gardening season (be patient, only a few more weeks), some are thinking about starting a vegetable garden. Whether you’ve been thinking about it for a while or the idea just came to mind, I’m here to provide you with a little more incentive to get out and grow some veggies.

I recently read an article that looked at the effects that gardening had on a group of community gardeners in Utah. The researchers determined that those who worked in a community garden had lower BMIs (body mass indexes) than those who did not, which translated to approximately 11 lbs for women and 16 pounds for men. These gardeners were also less likely to be obese: 46% less for women and 62% less for men.

Interesting findings, but not really surprising. Gardening, whether in a community garden or in your backyard, is physically demanding. Everything from soil prep to weeding to harvesting requires an effort on your part. Think about the benefits though: more exercise, fresh food, general satisfaction. You can’t get that from many other activities.

Getting Started

It’s not that difficult, really. Here are the basics:

Location: most veggies do best in full sun or at least 6 hours of sun a day.

Soil: quality triple mix to start. You can work it into the top 12 inches for a fluffy “chocolate cake” consistency or you can order enough to build up the area.

Plants : if you’re just thinking about starting now, chances are you didn’t start any seeds indoors. No worries! Every garden centre in Canada will have young veggies ready to take home and plant. Choose healthy ones that have been watered well. Look for dark foliage that doesn’t droop and always inspect for insects. Pick these up mid to late May and keep them outdoors during the day to harden them off before planting them in your prepared garden – around the May 2-4 weekend.

Fertilize: some veggies are heavy feeders (tomatoes and peppers come to mind); herbs do not like fertilizer. Read the labels on your plants. Buy the right fertilizer for the job and follow the instructions on the package.

Water: this is a must, especially as we wade into the hot, dry summer months. Water deeply for optimal root growth.

And there you have it! See, it’s not that hard! By the end of the summer, your friends and family will be thanking you for sharing.

blog_veg-garden

 

← Previous post
More Spring Q & A

Next post →
Your Lawn Questions Answered

Search

Recent Posts

  • Signs of Spring March 27, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week February 2, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week January 11, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week December 9, 2020

Mark’s Blog by Month

Ask Mark

  • eNewsletter
  • Radio/Podcast
  • Magazine article
  • Newspaper column
  • TV

Recent Tweets

Mark CullenFollow

Best selling Canadian gardening author as seen on TV, radio, online and print.

Mark Cullen
16 Oct

Tune into @1059TheRegion to hear Ben talk fall colors today with Ann Rohmer or listen online at http://1059theregion.com/ and look for THE FEED

Reply on Twitter 1449275767133773824Retweet on Twitter 14492757671337738241Like on Twitter 14492757671337738244
8 Oct

Thank you so much to @globalnewsto for having @MarkCullen4 on the "Making a Difference" segment this week. Take a look at the broadcast here: https://globalnews.ca/video/8248858/national-charity-committed-to-inspiring-tree-planting-initiatives-across-canada

Reply on Twitter 1446542309101867034Retweet on Twitter 14465423091018670342Like on Twitter 14465423091018670343
29 Jun 2021

Bird watching isn't just a hobby, it’s an opportunity to help. Gardening expert Mark Cullen explains.

https://nexthome.ca/news/bird-watching-isnt-just-a-hobby-its-an-opportunity-to-help/1284617/

@MarkCullen4

#garden #flowers #gardens #gardenlife #nature #gardenlove #birdwatching #birding #wildlife #birdlovers #birdlife #naturelovers #birdlover

Reply on Twitter 1409878268090716161Retweet on Twitter 14098782680907161615Like on Twitter 140987826809071616117
18 Jun 2021

Written by @MarkCullen4 for @TorontoStar, check out the top eight picks for planting in hot spots.

#LandscapeOntario #GreenforLife #GardeningTips #GardeningTrends #TorontoGardens #SouthernOntarioGardening

https://www.thestar.com/life/homes/2021/06/15/these-8-plants-are-heat-loving-sun-worshippers.html

Reply on Twitter 1405955991699701762Retweet on Twitter 14059559916997017622Like on Twitter 140595599169970176210

Comments are closed.

About Mark and Ben


Mark Cullen is an expert gardener, author & broadcaster and holds the Order of Canada. His son Ben is a fourth-generation urban gardener and graduate of Guelph and Dalhousie University.
More

Find Mark On

Sponsored Links

Highway of Heroes cullensfoods Share Agriculture Foundation Harrowsmith
© Mark Cullen. Go to top ↑