It is one of the most rewarding pastimes. Being outside has several mental and physical health benefits. Plus, you are learning a new skill and get to eat the rewards! But isn’t starting a vegetable garden difficult and time-consuming? And if you have never grown vegetables before, isn’t there a lot to learn? Even if you are a complete beginner, this guide will give you lots of vegetable gardening tips. It will show you how to start a vegetable garden in seven easy steps.
Step 1: Pick the Best Place to Plant Vegetables
First, you need to decide where you want to start a vegetable garden from scratch. This could be a 12 x 8 feet plot in your backyard or a wooden crate on your balcony. If you have endless amounts of space, still start small. 12 x 12 is great for beginners, and you can always expand next year. Once you have decided how big your new vegetable garden will be, you need to make sure it is somewhere that gets as much sun as possible. In an ideal world, it would get as least six hours of sun a day. Avoid starting a vegetable garden under trees or next to fences for this reason.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground and Soil
Next, you need to prepare the ground for planting. Mark off the area with string so you do not dig a larger plot than you planned.
Ground
If you decide to plant a vegetable garden straight into your yard, prepare for a couple of hours of manual labor. You will need to remove all the grass (or “sod” as gardeners call it) before you can do anything else. Choose a wide, flat spade and start on the outside of the vegetable garden and work your way in. You do not need to dig too deep. Three inches is fine, as you only want to remove the grass. Some lawns will roll up with ease if you mark out spade-sized strips and peel them back with your spade. Next, remove any remaining weeds and their roots. And remember to dispose of your garden waste with sustainability in mind.
Soil
The last thing you need to do is to add an inch-thick of nutrient-rich compost on top of your new vegetable patch. This will help fertilize your existing soil and create a healthier bed for your plants. Once you have done this, use a rake to turn your soil to loosen your existing soil and mix it in with the compost. Your local garden center will be able to help you choose the right compost for your climate. Although, it is best to choose peat-free compost if you can. All-purpose is great for beginners, and organic is even better. If you have time, you could perform a soil test so you know exactly what nutrients your soil is lacking so you can make up for them with the compost. You could build a raised vegetable garden if you are handy with woodwork. This will give you more control over the type of soil and will help stop insects from eating your vegetables. However, the upfront cost of filling the beds with soil can be significant.
Step 3: Lay Mulch on Your Vegetable Garden
Some gardeners add mulch to their vegetable garden after they plant their seeds. But you can do it beforehand to be as prepared as possible. Mulch is a type of organic material added on top of the soil to stop weeds and keep moisture locked into the soil. Shredded bark is a popular choice of mulch. Spread newspaper or brown paper grocery bags (ripped up) across your vegetable garden. Make sure they are about 10 sheets thick. Then, spread the mulch about two inches thick on top of the paper. Re-mulch your garden before planting every spring.
Step 4: Choose Your Vegetables
When you start a vegetable garden from scratch, you likely already have an idea of what you want to plant. And the best vegetables for your climate will be different from another climate. So, ask your local garden center or farmer’s market for advice. But here are some great vegetables for beginners to plant from seeds:
Carrots Beans Cucumbers Squash Melons
And here are some vegetables best to plant from transplants:
Tomatoes Peppers Eggplants
Make things easy on yourself and choose vegetables that need planting and harvesting at similar times of the year.
Step 5: Plant Your Vegetables
It is time to plant your seeds! Separate the mulch and tear through the newspaper to plant your seeds. Water them in their little well before covering them with the mulch. Keep your seeds a good distance apart so they do not fight for sunlight later. Don’t forget to note where you planted which vegetables in your garden. Green-fingered newbies cannot often recognize plants by their leaves.
Step 6: Care for Your Vegetable Garden
After planting your vegetables, you need to look after them. Mulching will reduce the need for lots of watering. But if you live in a dry climate, water the roots well. Invest in an irrigation system if you have a large vegetable patch. Keep an eye on any weeds, but, again, the mulch layer will help combat them. You may need to stake plants like tomatoes. Also, be mindful of any insects or other pests eating your veggies. Invest in an organic insect repellent spray, or use a natural repellent like thyme oil.
Step 7: Harvest Your Vegetables
And the last thing to do is to harvest your vegetables! During the harvest season, check your vegetable patch at least once a week, if not more. Invest in a good pair of gardening gloves and sheers for the occasion.
Start a Vegetable Garden From Scratch in Seven Easy Steps
It may seem difficult to start a vegetable garden from scratch, but once you have prepared the plot, it is very easy to upkeep. And then you will be able to enjoy lots of organic vegetables with a very low carbon footprint for many dinners to come. Need more home and garden tips? Browse our other articles for lots more expert advice!
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