A vegetable garden can produce a steady supply of vegetables from spring to fall. These vegetables can be harvested at optimum maturity and eaten or preserved while fresh. Fresh vegetables may be higher in flavor and nutritive value and lower in cost than purchased vegetables, which may have been harvested several days earlier. Vegetable production provides healthful exercise and an interesting outdoor activity for the entire family. Many gardeners feel the sense of accomplishment; self-sufficiency and security accompanying a successful garden are other significant rewards of gardening.