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There are so many possibilities when first starting to grow vegetables. that it is helpful to ask a few questions, set priorities and then plan accordingly. How much time do you have to spare? Some vegetables need more attention than others. Some additional considerations include your local climate, available garden space, soil type and conditions, as well as available storage for your harvest. Some vegetables may require canning or freezing. The ideal place to grow vegetables is often described as a fertile, well drained, moisture-retentive soil in a flat, sunny, but sheltered position. Most gardeners do not have the ‘perfect’ conditions but yet grow excellent organic vegetables by making the best of they have. Consider the following points. Sun and Shade- deep shade will severely limit the growth of vegetables. But some can tolerate light shade, including lettuce, chard, beets and peas. Drainage- vegetables will not thrive in a waterlogged site. Improve heavy soil by adding low-fertility organic material and consider growing in raised beds. Space- Select vegetables to suit the space available. Even quite small spaces can be very productive using vertical as well as horizontal growing space. Remember to allow for making leaf mold and compost when planning your layout. Preparing the ground- You may already have a clear piece of land for growing vegetables if not there are various organic methods of preparing it. Before you start growing find out more about your soil and start to treat it . See Managing Soil Organically. Use organic soil improvers and fertilizers only as necessary.
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