When it comes to keeping vegetables fresh, I found myself deep in a rabbit hole of conflicting advice. After sifting through countless online tips and still feeling stumped, I did what any millennial would do—I called my mom.
Her advice? “Aren’t you a landscaper? Just grow your own vegetables and enjoy fresh produce all season!”
She was right, of course. A vegetable garden is not only practical but also a rewarding hobby that gets you outdoors. After doing some research and chatting with local experts like those at St. Jacobs Country Gardens, I’ve created this beginner-friendly guide to help you grow a thriving vegetable garden with minimal tools and trips out of the house.
Step 1: Pick the Perfect Spot and Plan Your Plants
- Sunlight is Key: Choose a spot with at least 5–6 hours of sunlight per day. Vegetables are nutrient-hungry and thrive in bright, sunny areas.
- Pick What You Love: Select vegetables you enjoy eating. Research their spacing requirements to ensure your garden is sized appropriately.
- Start Small: Especially if it’s your first garden, pick a manageable area. You can always expand later.
- Drainage Matters: Avoid areas prone to water pooling, as vegetables sitting in water are prone to rot.
Use string, paint, or even a hose to map out your garden bed. Visualizing the layout beforehand makes it easier to plan.
Step 2: Prep the Garden Bed
- Clear the Area:
- If your spot is grass-covered, remove the turf down to the roots while preserving as much native soil as possible.
- If it’s an old garden bed, remove weeds and rake back any mulch to reuse after planting.
- Enhance the Soil: Add compost or a triple-mix garden soil to enrich the existing soil. Use a shovel or hoe to mix it in and ensure the top layer is loose for easy root growth.
Pro tip: If bending and digging sound like a chore, consider building a raised planter box for easier gardening.
Step 3: Seeds or Starter Plants?
- Seeds: Affordable and widely available, but they require more time to grow. Ensure you’re planting early enough in the season for a successful harvest.
- Starter Plants: Cost a bit more but save time and effort. They’re a great option for beginners or late-season planting.
Call ahead to local garden centers offering curbside pickup to see what’s available, and remember to follow spacing guidelines to avoid overcrowding.
Step 4: Mulch for Maintenance
Add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and prevent weeds. Avoid over-mulching, which can suffocate your plants. For a sustainable option, try Nincompoop mulch—it’s wood-free and doubles as compost as it breaks down.
Step 5: Water Wisely
Proper watering is critical:
- Water deeply to encourage roots to grow downward, promoting healthier plants.
- Avoid shallow watering, which can make roots grow toward the surface, leaving plants vulnerable.
Check out online resources for watering best practices to ensure you get it just right.
Step 6: Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor
Once your vegetables are ripe, harvest and enjoy! There’s nothing quite like eating fresh, homegrown produce that you nurtured from seed to table.
Share Your Success!
Starting a vegetable garden is a fun and fulfilling way to enjoy the outdoors while producing fresh food for your table. If you decide to create your own veggie garden, we’d love to see it! Share your progress and harvest photos on our social media channels.
Good luck, happy gardening, and here’s to a season of fresh, delicious vegetables! 🌱🍅
