It's not to late to plant your vegtable garden!

You're aware of the health benefits of eating fresh vegetables, you have the space for a small garden, but just don't know where to start? Look no further. Here's all you need to know to put fresh, crisp vegetables on your dinner table.

First, think small. Don't bite off more than you can chew, or hoe. If you're new to gardening, start off with a garden no larger than 8' X 10.' You can always expand later if you can't get enough of those fresh, crispy vegetables.

Choose a location that receives as much sun as possible throughout the day. Till up the soil sod and all.

Next, examine the soil. If you're soil is predominantly sandy or clay soil it will be worth bringing in some topsoil to get you off on the right foot. You can amend the soil with compost. Compost includes any biodegradable material which can be broken down into a fine, dark humus. Well rotted livestock manure is the best choice for getting a clay or sandy soil into shape. Whatever you use for compost apply it often, like once in the spring and once in the fall. It will take a few seasons to improve a poor soil type.

Now you are ready to plant! Here's the fun part. You can purchase seeds from the store or order them through the many catalogs on the market. You can also buy some of your vegtables as small plants.

Easy to grow crops include onions, peas, beets, rutabaga and zucchini squash. These can also be planted early. Tomatoes and peppers can be purchased as young plants to maximize the harvest. Be sure to space things in your small garden according to the instructions on the packets and containers.

Watch for insect infestation. If you do see evidence of chewing on plants, identify the insect causing the damage and choose an insecticide that will control that specific insect or Soap-Shield. Proper spacing, weeding and fertilizing is a good way to prevent disease and insect infestation without having to resort to harmful insecticides.

Use a granular or water soluble fertilizer to feed your hungry plants. Apply granular fertilizers a few days before you plant, working it into the top six inches of topsoil.

Soon, it will be time to harvest your garden fare. To get the full health benefits of your veggies, harvest when ripe and don't overcook your vegetables. More importantly, enjoy the experience of eating fresh, crisp vegetables you grew yourself!

Happy gardening.