My new theory on vegetable gardens is to grow what is easy and what you will use, that will not interfere with pretty parts of a landscaped and yard.

• Use a manageable pot or build a raised bed easy to get to, preferable near your kitchen door (This picture is a large veggie garden we made this fall.)

• Use a blend of 70% topsoil and 30% compost and slow release organic osmocote for a soil mix.

• Plant kale, spinach, lettuces and chard (now is fine if you can find them).

• Put under a porch or carport where it gets sun.

• Cover with a sheet (not plastic) on cold nights.

Pick these greens for your smoothie in the morning!

Christie lives in Manakin Sabot , Virginia where she manages a 3 acre garden. Her blogs are written from her 35 years as a personal and professional gardener.