Are you interested in growing your own herbs and vegetables but not sure where to start? Starting a garden can be a fun and rewarding way to get outside and connect with nature while also providing fresh, healthy produce for your family. In this article, I will discuss five simple steps to get started building your herb and vegetable garden.
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Step 1: Choose Your Location
The first step in starting a vegetable garden is to choose the right location. Look for a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day and has well-draining soil. If your yard has poor soil quality, consider building raised garden beds or using containers.
I use a combination of in-ground beds, raised beds, and containers to maximize my space. This allows me to grow a variety of herbs and vegetables with different soil, water, and light requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your Soil
Once you’ve chosen your location, it’s time to prepare the soil. Remove any grass, weeds, or debris from the area and loosen the soil with a tiller or garden fork. Mix in compost or other organic matter to improve soil quality and add nutrients.
If you are like me and want to avoid extra labor, you can leave the grass in place and smother it with several layers of newspaper or cardboard. Add a few inches of compost, then top with mulch, such as shredded leaves, straw, or grass clippings. This will help to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from growing.
Step 3: Choose Your Plants
Next, it’s time to choose the plants you want to grow. Consider your climate and the amount of space you have available. Some easy-to-grow herbs and vegetables for beginners include tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, calendula, and peas.
Step 4: Plant Your Garden
Now that you have your location, soil, and plants, it’s time to plant your garden. Follow the instructions on the seed packets or plant tags for planting depth and spacing. Water your garden regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Check out my post Gardening by the Moon Cheat Sheet to help plan your garden calendar.
To keep your garden healthy and productive, you’ll need to maintain it throughout the growing season. This includes watering, weeding, and fertilizing as needed. You may also need to stake or support your plants to prevent them from falling over.
I spend about 30 minutes every day going through the garden beds weeding and checking for pests. I enjoy connecting with my plants and watching all the bugs buzzing around the flowers.
Will you be starting a garden this year? If you’d like to learn more about gardening, check out the posts below!
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