Many suburban homes have unused space, especially in the backyard, that can be turned into a thriving vegetable garden with little effort. All that is required is a little knowledge and careful planning. Beginners are usually at a loss as to where and how to start. But there is help. 'Starter Vegetable Gardens' by Barbara Pleasant is a book that has everything a newbie needs to get started and is the definitive book on vegetable gardening for beginners. You can also find lots of information online, for instance read about organic vegetable gardening for beginners at Sustainable Suburbia or using vegetable planters at Garden Bound Home. But in the meantime, lets talk about choosing some easy growing vegetables.

Depending upon the space, time, energy and determination you have, you can start with any vegetable that suits your taste and, of course, the climate of your area. But as a beginner it would be best to choose from the really easy to grow vegetables. Greens beans, peas, carrots, radishes and tomatoes fall in this group. Leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach are also great for beginners. These vegetables grow quickly and do not require a great deal of attention. Also, they can be grown almost anywhere where good soil, water and sunlight are available. These factors make them ideal for  beginners.

Before starting your garden, it is important to have a plan. A plan gives you direction and a sense of purpose, which is essential for accomplishing anything. Having a theme is also advisable. This makes it easier for you to decide what exactly you want in your garden. If your theme is a salad garden, then you can grow vegetables that go in salad. But the great thing is that many of the easiest go with any kind of theme. Barbara Pleasant's book has 24 fail-safe, small-scale garden plans that are a great help in choosing your theme and making your plan.

Whatever the theme, beginners are advised to start with beans. Green beans - especially bush beans - are among the fastest and easiest vegetables to grow. Green beans are essentially summer vegetables, and in the right condition they grow in such abundance that they can feed the entire family for months. But the best thing about them is that once planted they practically grow on their own. Radishes and carrots are also great for beginners. There are a great many varieties of both vegetables and they come in many different colors. They are also packed with vitamins and fibers. They like cool climate with lots of sunshine. Leafy plants like lettuce and spinach are not only easy to grow; they also add beauty to your garden. And then there the tomatoes that are a permanent fixture in so many recipes. They require warm weather and lots of water, but can be left pretty much unattended once planted.

If you really want to know more and have been toying with the idea of turning the unused space around your house into a vegetable garden then consider buying or borrowing 'Starter Vegetable Gardens'.

Vegetables

When growing their own vegetables, the gardener ensures that the vegetables they harvest will be fresh. Storing vegetables is a smart and frugal way to save for meals at a later date. Those who do not know how to store vegetables will find everything they need to know on the internet. Since many veggies grow at different times of year, they will also be harvested at different times during the growing season.

Before storing vegetables it is important that they do not become bruised while handling. Additionally, produce that is not fresh will not be as delicious when prepared for meals. All vegetables must be cleaned thoroughly before packing them away in a freezer. The temperatures will need to be at least 32 degrees in order to keep them from spoiling. It is also important to make sure vegetables that are stored in the freezer be sealed properly. Most produce will last many months in the frozen state, but it is important to wrap them properly to protect them from freezer burn.

Another way that many folks preserve their produce is by canning it and storing it in a cool dark area. The canning process needs to be delicately done because of the possibility of letting in bacteria. Deadly illnesses can occur if canned foods are not prepared without boiling the containers and sealing them properly.

Vegetables like onions and garlic do very well in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator - read more on storing garlic at home. The cold temperature will help them remain fresh for quite some time. Refrigerating vegetables in plastic bags is fine as long as there is some air to breathe. Condensation can set in from humidity and cause mold.

A root cellar provides the perfect conditions for a variety of vegetables. You must make certain that the area is not infiltrated by rodents or bugs. Many people use insulation to keep their vegetables fresh over a period of time. Some use straw or shavings from wood to avoid damage. Knowing how to store vegetables is important to the health of everybody that partakes of them.

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