Want a vegetable garden? Be patient

Some 43 million U.S. households — up 19 percent from last year — are expected to grow their own vegetables, fruits and herbs this year, according to the National Gardening Association. That might explain why some big box stores already are selling tomato, peppers and basil to eager buyers.

Even first lady Michelle Obama is getting in on the groundswell, helping break ground Friday for a vegetable garden smack dab on the White House’s South Lawn.

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LOUIE FAVORITE/lfavorite@ajc.com

If you want to pick peppers this summer, the best thing you can do now is to prep your soil.

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But gardening experts have a warning for novice growers: wait. It’s too early to plant those summer crops.

Georgia gardening guru Walter Reeves explains that though temperatures are climbing into the 60s and 70s, between still-too-cold soil temperatures and a threat of frost that could extend a few more weeks, gardeners should hold off until at least mid-April to start planting tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, okra, cucumbers, sweet corn and more.

There’s plenty, however, you can do now to get ready for the growing season, says Reeves and Daron “Farmer D” Joffe, who both are witnessing increased interest in food gardening.

“More and more people are interested in growing their food for economic reasons — you can actually save some money,” Joffe says.

A 600-square-foot food garden is on average a $70 investment, but yields roughly $600 of fresh produce in a growing season, according to the NGA, based on a worth of about $2 a pound at in-season market prices.

Reeves and Joffe share these tips for what you can do now:

• Get a soil test. Take soil samples from your property to your county extension office and receive nutrient recommendations to add to maximize the health of your grass and plants. Call 1-800-275-8421 to talk to your local agency.

• Prep your soil. Take this time to build raised beds and get rows ready for warm-season vegetables by tilling the soil and adding compost and organic fertilizer. Make sure the site receives at least six hours of sunlight for plants to thrive.

• Consider last-minute cold-weather crops. It’s not too late to plant kale, collards, broccoli, cabbage, peas, carrots and arugula.