Gardening! One of my favorite subjects! Growing your own vegetable or herb garden can help trim the fat on your grocery bill....and your body. Ready to start planing? HGTV experts suggest that you consider these tips before you let your garden grow.

Start by making a list: it is easier to plot out garden beds when you put everything down on paper. Write down the erbs you commonly use and look up their soil, light, and water needs. Take note of a plant's growing patters, too....mint, a popular herb, tends to overtake gardens so it best planted by itself. There are some hard and fast rules for growing vegetables as well: Potatoes are known to inhibit the growth of tomatoes and squash, and beans can slow down a patch of onions.

When considering which fruits and vegetables to plan, it is important to remember there are cool and war season crops. Cool crops include cabage, lettuce, and pease; warm crops include peppers cucumbrs, and melons.

And fnally, size matters. Novice gardeners should begin with a plot no larger than 11' square, which allow for nine 2' x 3' areas and enough walking space among the crops. Trying to take care of a large garden with little experience can be challenging, but a smaller, well-maintained area is more likely to yield success.

Good luck and let the growing begin! www.monalacovey.com