The one commitment nobody likes to think about is that of spending time weeding the garden. Minick doesn't believe there is a miracle cure for weeds but has found that mulch placed around the plants and in the rows cuts tremendously into weed growth. When it comes time to harvest the fruits of your labor, families may also want to think about actually starting their gardens over in the fall, Minick says. You don't necessarily need to burn the garden off. You can plant garlic or even a cover crop of winter rye.
Winter rye is a grain product that protects and enriches the soil.
Beginning gardeners may not realize there are foods that can even be grown in dimly lit spots of the garden or yard. Lettuce, raspberries, spinach and the Shiitake mushroom all can be grown in the shade, Minick has found. Barbara Chrisley, professor of foods and nutrition at RU, has done research through the Virginia Cooperative Extension offices and offers additional pointers and tips on harvesting the garden. Harvest vegetables at their peak. Check garden often, pick vegetables when ripe and use as soon as possible.