How Does Your Garden Grow?

Fresh, crisp vegetables make every salad taste better. This summer, try planting your own veggie garden no matter where you live. Then you can reap the benefits of having a new hobby, boosting your health and saving money.

To get started, you'll need the following supplies:

1. Growing containers: Washed out yogurt containers or egg cartons work well. Poke holes at the bottom to allow for drainage.

2. Trays: Catch excess water by placing these below the planting containers.

3. Soil: Find seed starting mix at your local gardening store.

4. Seeds: Try some easy to grow seeds, such as lettuce, broccoli, cherry tomatoes or peppers. Or try herbs, such as cilantro or basil.

Next, find a place in your apartment or home by south or west facing windows where plants will receive 12 to 16 hours of natural sunlight each day. Or, buy a fluorescent glow lamp if sunlight is limited.

Plant seedlings and water them until they are damp, but not soaked. Store in a warm environment.

Once three or four leaves begin to emerge, transplant your plants to a larger container or outside garden.

To learn which plants grow best in your area, visit the National Gardening Association's website: garden.org/zipzone.