Growing a vegetable garden can feel so rewarding, but it takes patience and care. It’s all worth it when you get to eat food out of your own backyard.
Here are some tips to get you started on growing your own vegetable garden.
Pick the Perfect Spot
“Pick a visible location that’s easy to access. When you plant your garden in a place that you walk by every day, you’re more likely to remember to care for it.” - Dash Lawn Care
It’s good to start with a spot that isn’t too big either so that it doesn’t get overwhelming. If you’re very new at this it’s always best to start small while you’re learning.
Pick the Perfect Plants
You’ll have two big things to consider. One, what vegetables do you want to eat? Two, how much space do they need.
“Beets, lettuce, kale, cucumbers, peas, radishes, cherry tomatoes and green beans are some of the easiest vegetables for beginners to grow. Summer and winter squash are also good choices for first-time gardeners.” - The Home Depot
Keep on Top of the Weeding
Keep your eye out for weeds as soon as you start your garden. They can grow so quickly and take over in days, especially when your vegetable plants are just sprouts. You want to get them out long before they have the chance.
“Weeds compete with vegetables for whatever moisture and nutrients are available and will grow rampant in rich, well-cultivated soil. And if you allow weeds to grow undisturbed at the beginning, when you pull them up later, you may injure the roots of plants you want to keep.” - Reader's Digest
Know How Much You Need to Water
Seeds and sprouts need lots of water, but it is also very easy to over-water them. You’ll need to do your research on the specific plants you chose so you can know exactly how much water to give them.
“Don't just storm over plants with a hose. Water directly on the soil around plants with a watering can or lay soaker hose along the rows. Either method conserves water and keeps plants dry, reducing mould and disease.” - Canadian Living
Plan How You’re Going to Keep Your Plants Safe
It takes only a second for a rabbit to come and bite the top off of that bean sprout that you just got to burst from the soil, or for a bird to come pick out that seed from the soil before it’s even grown. Know what kind of animals and bugs live around your location and find methods of keeping them away.
“Picking off large insects and caterpillars by hand (and dropping them into a bucket of sudsy water) is a safe, effective way to deal with limited infestations.” - BHG
A vegetable garden can be such a fun thing to have, you just have to take care of it as well as you can. You’ll be glad you did when you have baskets of the freshest tomatoes from your own backyard!
Need help preparing your yard so that it’s ready to start your vegetable garden? Contact us today for a FREE quote! We’ll come in, clean up your lawn/gardens, and leave - while you sit back, relax, and do something you enjoy!