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Vegetables: Growing Vegetables Introduction

	Vegetable Subjects
	Introduction Diseases Fall Gardening Garden Planning Harvesting Herbs in the Garden Insects Mulching Organic Gardening Planting Pollination Soil Staking Tomatoes Storage Varieties / Choices Watering Weed Control

Vegetable gardens are traditional in Mississippi. There was a time when the state was more rural than it is today, and most of the family’s food was grown at home. Today, vegetable gardens are often thought of as a form of family recreation. Many older Mississippians grow gardens that are much too large for their own use just to have fresh vegetables for family, friends, and others who are unable to garden.

Here is what some of today’s Mississippi gardeners have to say about their gardens and why they garden:

“We have enough for our family, plus some to share; what more could you ask?”

“There’s no way to keep count of the people who stop to visit my garden and talk awhile since it is on the side of a field road that leads to a catfish pond. I was so proud when I was told it was the prettiest garden they had seen. I have filled 3 freezers and canned more than 300 jars of vegetables.”

“I have always had a love for gardening. I have helped in caring for the family garden ever since I was large enough to help plant and work in a garden.”

“I enjoy giving vegetables to the elderly, shut-ins, neighbors, and friends.”

“I enjoy people visiting my garden. Some come just to enjoy seeing it, others to learn better ways to garden.”

“I have gardened over 50 years and still do my own work. The hard work and good food keep me healthy. I save some money, but I receive other benefits that are greater and that cannot be bought.”

“We give more vegetables away than we keep. We have a large family, 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, so you see we really enjoy a garden.”

“There is a great difference in cooking fresh food from that which has been picked for several days. To watch your food grow gives you something to look forward to each week. It’s a profit, but it’s also a great pleasure.”

• Decide what to plant
• Choose the best location
• Determine the garden size
• List of vegetables and varieties
• Sample garden plan
• Successive planting