Green Your Thumb: Gardening 101

Interest in gardening has surged as people realize the many benefits of home-grown produce. Want to get in on the fun but not sure how to start? This week's easy gardening tips will help you green your thumb.

Tip #1: Plan Your Garden

Choose a location that gets at least six to eight hours of sun, is protected from wind, and is away from trees (so that seedlings don't compete with them for water). Vegetables need loamy, well-drained soil; your local nursery can advise you about how to enrich dirt. Prepare the ground by clearing it of weeds and debris and turning it to a depth of about 12 inches. A 10-by-16-foot plot can feed a family of four for a summer, but if you don't have the space, use pots, hanging boxes, or even unclaimed public spots.

Tell us: Where do your plants grow?