How to start a vegetable garden from scratch

Whether you are trying to find a new hobby, looking to spend more time outdoors, or want to create your own stash of fruits and vegetables, gardening is a fun and beneficial activity for people of all ages. . Gardening is something anyone can do because it is easy to get started with minimal tools and only a small amount of space.

In the long run, a well-functioning and well-maintained garden can help reduce the cost of food. Even those who are just starting out can benefit, as a simple investment of $ 5 can net $ 30 worth of veg over a season. And the taste and quality of the produce you grow in your garden may be better than what is commonly found in the grocery store.

Gardening might be straightforward, but it’s still a skill that requires knowledge and skill, so you want to learn the basics before investing the money and time. There is a process that you want to follow to ensure the best results.

Location of the vegetable garden

Much of the success of your garden depends on your location, and there are several factors to consider when choosing a plot of land to plant your crops.

Accessibility

You want to find a place that you can easily access and monitor. Ideally, you want your garden to be somewhere you walk around every day, so you can’t help but check your crops.

Sunlight

Make sure that the plot of land you select receives enough sunlight throughout the day. Photosynthesis is the process that turns sunlight into glucose. This creates cellulose and starch. Plants need sunlight to survive. For reference, fast-growing vegetable gardens require between six and eight hours of sunlight per day.

The water

Water is another necessity that your crops will need to survive, so you want to make sure your garden is near an easily accessible water source. A pocket computer watering can will only last that long, so an investment in a pipe and the spray nozzle will be much more effective for large gardens. It will also reduce your maintenance time.

Cut

Start small. Most novice gardeners feel comfortable with a 10 × 10 garden. However, size is relative as a well-maintained 10 × 10 garden can still produce higher quality crops than a much larger garden which is not properly maintained.

Choosing the right soil

The soil provides the nutrients necessary for the growth of your garden. The soil should be easy to dig and allow adequate drainage so that water can reach the roots of the plants. You want the soil to be rich and dark. It should collapse between your fingers. You want to avoid clay soils because they are too dense. They do not retain moisture and do not allow the necessary air pockets for plant roots.

If your gardening area does not have healthy soil, better quality soil must be purchased. Additional soil amendments, like mold on compost leaves or well-aged manure, can help create the healthy ecosystem necessary for your plants to grow.

Choose your vegetables

Some plants grow better in certain areas. If neighbors have gardens, they most likely have similar soils and weather conditions, so learning what crops they are planting can give you an idea of ​​which crops are performing well in your area.

Start with five of your favorite vegetables and find out how much they each produce. For example, tomatoes, squash and peppers will continue to bloom throughout the season, while vegetables like corn and carrots will only produce one crop.

Vegetable garden tools

Hoe

To prepare your soil and weed your garden, a sustainable garden hoe is a must.

Rake

If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, a garden rake allows you to level your soil, clean leaves and cover new seedlings.

Trowel

When transplanting crops, a steel blade garden trowel is your best bet. Find one with a sturdy handle that fits comfortably in your hand.

Gloves

Every gardener should have at least one pair of gloves to protect their hands. It would be in your best interest to have both one pair of lightweight cotton gloves and one pair of heavy duty gardening gloves depending on the work required.

How to start a small vegetable garden

Plant from seeds

Before doing anything in your garden, lay your mulch. This will help prevent weeds and keep you from working on the road. Plan to plant your vegetable garden from north to south so that it can get maximum sun exposure. When you’re ready, push back the mulch and plant your seeds.

Popular types of vegetables to plant from seeds include lettuce, carrots, Swiss chard, pumpkins, and cucumbers.

Transplant plantation

You can start by growing your vegetables in containers before transferring them to your garden once they have started to grow. This allows you to give them more care and attention in a controlled environment. It is good practice to shake the root systems of these plants before transferring them to the garden to cause the system to grow rapidly.

Popular types of vegetables that benefit from transplanting planting are tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and artichokes.

Maintain your garden

Mulch will help limit the amount of water you need to water your crops, but more thorough and less frequent watering, especially when the vegetables are starting to grow, is imperative for your health. If in doubt, test your water levels to make sure your garden is getting the right amount of water.

Pulling weeds out when your plants are young will reduce weed growth over time.

Use supports and challenges to help vegetables like tomatoes and beans grow tall.

Insects and disease can cause major problems for your vegetables. For edible plants, use only insecticide spray which is labeled safe. And to prevent small animals from feasting on your crops, you can put up fences and nets to protect your garden.

Ryan dempsey is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help you simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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