- 1). Choose the right site and timing for vegetable planting. In eastern Washington, where the growing season is short, plant vegetable seedlings as early as possible to give them a start on summer. Plant most seedlings after the last frost, when the ground has thawed and temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In Washington, this thaw should arrive in April. Choose a site that gets full sun exposure all day for vegetable growth. This is extremely important in cooler climates, where the plants will need the full benefit of the sun.
- 2). Amend the soil of the site with an equal combination of quick-draining soil and organic compost to nourish and support quick vegetable growth. Add a dose of organic fertilizer to the soil prior to planting, to increase this nutrition level. Plant vegetables that have rapid growth times and harvest to bring your vegetable garden to maturity before the Washington growing season ends. Choose vegetables like bush beans, tomatoes, summer squash, cauliflower, beets, radishes, lettuce, cucumbers and spinach for a quick vegetable harvest. Plant seedlings at their preferred spacing and depth.
- 3). Water the garden with 2 to 3 inches of water a week, but minimize hand watering during natural rainfall, as vegetables don't like to be over-watered. Mulch the garden with 1 to 2 inches of mulch to maintain warmth in the soil, and fertilize the garden with organic fertilizer once during the growing season, when the plants begin to flower and develop fruit.
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