Whether decorative or functional, vegetable gardens have been increasing in popularity for apartment renters and homeowners alike. Vegetable gardens can provide additional food grown in controlled soil, which can be beneficial in times when commercially grown vegetables are found to be contaminated. One of the most popular trends for vegetable gardens is the use of organic soil and pesticide-free farming, which allows for the growth of chemical-free vegetables without the cost of organic produce. Vegetable gardens may contain a variety of plants or may focus on only a few types of vegetables, such as salad greens.
The main costs of vegetable gardening are buying the seeds or starter plants, and any tools necessary for gardening, such as shovels, watering cans or trowels. This investment allows a gardener to create a low-cost vegetable garden that will provide them with ample vegetables for meals without a lot of financial investment. Vegetable gardens can also help gardeners to save money because they can grow vegetables instead of purchasing them from a grocery store.
Organic vegetable gardening does carry a higher cost; organic soil must be purchased and maintained to grow the plants. Specially grown organic seeds or starter plants must also be used to grow organic crops. As no chemical fertilizers or sprays may be used for organic vegetable gardening, the cost may increase if crops fail due to pests or soil problems. Plants in vegetable gardens should be screened by fencing or mesh in order to prevent animals or other pests from reaching the vegetables.
Vegetable gardens may have a theme, such as a decorative garden with plants that create a lush appearance, or functional garden based around a particular dish. Food-themed gardens are useful for those who have specific vegetable needs in mind. For example, salsa lovers may prefer to plant a mixture of peppers, tomatoes and onions that will be used to create salsa, while salad enthusiasts may plant several types of lettuce, spinach, tomatoes and cucumbers.