- 1). Start your vegetable garden at the right time and with the right foundation. Put vegetables in the outdoor garden after the last frost in your area, which may occur as early as late April in Cincinnati and Sandusky, or as late as the end of May in Athens and Akron. These frost dates put planting dates in mid-May and mid-June, respectively.
- 2). Mix quick-draining soil and organic compost in equal parts to give Ohio gardens the right nutrition from the start. Dig 4 inches of this mixture into the top 6 inches of your natural soil at planting, then mix starter, organic, or 10-10-10 fertilizer into the top inch of soil.
- 3). Feed the garden again mid-season, when the plants begin to bloom. If you've planted short-season veggies like radishes, lettuce, and carrots, this could be as early as June in warmer regions or July in cooler regions. For longer-season planters like beans, tomatoes, and peppers, hold off on feeding until July or August. Mix 10-10-10 or organic fertilizer into the top inch of soil, then water. Always follow manufacturer directions in regard to the quantity of fertilizer.
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