Gardening isn’t just a fulfilling hobby. It will allow you to grow and consume organic, nutrient-rich food and save you money on your grocery bill. Also, it will prepare you for an emergency situation and give you peace of mind that you are in a good position to face the growing global food shortages — should they ever come to your area.
The best part about starting a vegetable garden? Gardening isn’t very time-consuming and you can start your garden without spending a fortune. There are several steps to follow to ensure that your garden flourishes and becomes an oasis of beauty and abundance.
How Much Space Do You Need to Start a Garden?
The amount of space needed for gardening depends on the type of plants you want to grow and how much of each you want. For example, vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers can grow in containers and need only a few square feet of space. However, if you want to grow a variety of vegetables or larger plants like pumpkins or corn, a larger plot is needed.
As a general rule, a 10ft x 10ft (100 square feet) plot can provide enough space for a variety of vegetables for a small family. But if you want a garden that will make your family self-sufficient, you will need about 200 square feet of garden space per person to grow enough food year-round.
Additionally, raised garden beds or vertical gardens can help maximize space utilization in smaller yards. Ultimately, the amount of space needed for gardening is subjective and can be adjusted based on individual preferences and the amount of time and effort available for maintenance.
1. Choose the Perfect Spot to Place Your Garden
You want to ensure that you pick a location in your yard that gets enough sunlight for your plants to grow well and has adequate soil drainage.
Testing Your Soil Drainage
Proper drainage is essential for gardening success, as too much or too little water can harm plants.
To evaluate your soil’s drainage, dig a hole roughly a foot deep and wide. Fill it with water and time how long it takes to drain.
If it takes more than a few hours to drain, your soil may have poor drainage, which could cause root rot or other problems for your plants. The soil should be well-drained and crumbly to the touch, and not waterlogged or excessively dry.
Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve drainage, as can installing a drain tile or French drain system.
Good drainage is especially important for vegetable gardens and other annuals that require consistent moisture levels, so it’s important to take the time to evaluate your soil and make any necessary improvements to ensure a healthy and thriving garden.
2. Get the Right Tools & Equipment
Before planting, make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment to maintain your garden. This includes:
- Gloves
- Pruners
- Rake
- Long-handled shovels and spades
- Trowel
- Wheelbarrow
- Hand fork/cultivator
- Watering can
- Garden Hoe
But don’t worry about finding all this equipment individually! Our favorite set of tools for gardening at home is the 83 piece Tudoccy gardening set.
3. Choosing the Right Seeds & Fertilizer
Choosing the right seeds and fertilizer is important for a successful garden. When buying seeds, consider the climate and soil conditions in your area. Look for plants that are compatible with your region and will thrive in your garden’s environment. It’s also important to consider the growth cycle and size of the plant, as well as any specific requirements it may have. Generally, we recommend starting with easy-to-grow crops like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs.
When purchasing fertilizer, consider the nutrient needs of the plants you’re growing. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three key nutrients that most plants require, but the amounts and ratios will vary depending on the plant. Look for fertilizer that is specifically formulated for the types of plants you’re growing. Consider whether you prefer organic or synthetic options, as well as slow-release versus fast-acting formulas.
Taking the time to choose the right seeds and fertilizer will increase your chances of a successful garden.
Here’s an expanded table highlighting recommended seeds for different plant types, including yield information and preferred climates:
| Plant Type | Recommended Seeds | Planting Time | Yield Information | Preferred Climates |
| Leafy Greens | Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Arugula | Cool season (spring/fall) | Quick harvest; continuous cutting. | Cool to mild climates. |
| Root Vegetables | Carrots, Radishes, Beets | Cool season (spring/fall) | Quick growth; varying root sizes. | Cool climates; well-drained soil. |
| Herbs | Basil, Parsley, Cilantro | Spring to summer | Frequent cutting; abundant growth. | Varied, adaptable to many climates. |
| Tomatoes | Tomato seeds | Late spring to early summer | Moderate growth; regular harvest. | Warm climates with sunlight. |
| Peppers | Bell peppers, Chili peppers | Spring to early summer | Moderate growth; abundant fruiting. | Warm, sunny environments. |
| Cucumbers | Cucumber seeds | Late spring to early summer | Fast growth; high yields. | Warm climates; ample sunlight. |
| Squash | Zucchini, Butternut squash | Late spring to early summer | Rapid growth; prolific harvest. | Warm climates; well-drained soil. |
Fertilizers play a crucial role in providing essential nutrients to your plants. Here’s the comprehensive table with recommended fertilizers for different plant types, along with yield and climate preferences:
| Plant Type | Recommended Fertilizer | Application Frequency | Yield Information | Preferred Climates |
| Leafy Greens | Balanced (10-10-10) or Nitrogen-rich (e.g., 5-1-1) | Every 4-6 weeks | Rapid leaf growth; frequent harvest. | Cool to mild climates. |
| Root Vegetables | Phosphorus-rich (e.g., 3-15-0) | At planting and mid-season | Strong root development; hearty yield. | Cool climates; well-drained soil. |
| Herbs | Balanced or Nitrogen-rich | Every 4-6 weeks | Robust aroma and flavor production. | Varied, adaptable to many climates. |
| Tomatoes | Phosphorus-rich with potassium (e.g., 5-10-10) | Pre-planting, every 2-3 weeks | Bountiful flowering and fruiting. | Warm climates with sunlight. |
| Peppers | Balanced or Phosphorus-rich | Every 4-6 weeks | Abundant flowering and pepper yield. | Warm, sunny environments. |
| Cucumbers | Balanced or Nitrogen-rich | Every 3-4 weeks | Vigorous vine growth; plentiful cucumbers. | Warm climates; ample sunlight. |
| Squash | Balanced or Potassium-rich (e.g., 10-10-20) | Every 4-6 weeks | Healthy fruit development; generous harvest. | Warm climates; well-drained soil. |
4. Preparing Your Soil
Preparing the soil for gardening is an essential step to ensure healthy plant growth and maximum yield.
The first step is to remove any weeds or debris from the garden bed. Once cleared, the soil needs to be aerated. This involves breaking up compacted soil using a garden fork or tiller.
Then, add compost and organic matter such as decomposed leaves to improve the soil’s moisture retention and nutrients. Compost can easily be made at home using kitchen and yard waste, or it can be purchased from a garden center. Mix the compost and organic matter well with the existing soil. Adding compost and organic matter to soil is a great way to improve overall soil health for gardening. Not only does it provide essential nutrients for plants, but it also improves soil structure and water-holding capacity.
After that, level and smooth the soil surface. It is recommended to test the soil pH level and make necessary adjustments, if needed, with lime or sulfur. The optimal pH level for most plants ranges from 6.0 to 7.0.
Finally, water the soil well and allow it to settle before planting any crops or seeds. With the proper preparation of the soil, gardeners can expect healthy plants and bountiful harvests.
5. You’re Ready to Plant!
Once everything is in place, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and start planting! Ensure that you follow the instructions on seed packets or plant labels for proper spacing, watering, and fertilizing as needed. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and prune your plants as necessary.
6. Ongoing Maintenance
Your garden will need constant monitoring and care to continue thriving. Here are the steps you should take to properly maintain your home garden:
- Watering:
- Water plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
- Use mulch around plants to retain moisture in the soil.
- Fertilizing:
- Test your soil to determine its nutrient content and pH level.
- Choose organic or slow-release fertilizers to provide a steady supply of nutrients.
- Apply fertilizers according to the specific needs of your plants and follow the instructions on the packaging.
- Pest Control:
- Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases.
- Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and praying mantises, which feed on pests.
- Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil, insecticidal soaps, or companion planting to deter pests.
- Remove any damaged or infected plants to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Pruning and Trimming:
- Prune plants regularly to promote healthy growth and shape.
- Remove dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of infections.
- Trim overgrown plants to maintain their shape and prevent overcrowding.
- Weeding:
- Regularly remove weeds from your garden to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water.
- Use mulch to suppress weed growth and conserve soil moisture.
- Soil Maintenance:
- Add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and structure.
- Regularly turn the soil to aerate it and prevent compaction.
- Monitoring and Adjusting:
- Keep an eye on your plants for any signs of nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or other problems.
- Adjust your gardening practices accordingly, such as adjusting watering schedules or fertilization rates.
- Protection from Extreme Weather:
- Provide shade or cover for sensitive plants during hot summer days.
- Use row covers or cold frames to protect plants from frost or cold temperatures.
- Regular Cleanup:
- Remove fallen leaves, debris, and dead plant material from your garden to reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
7. Harvesting Your Crops
To harvest your vegetables, you need to know when they are ready. For instance, tomatoes are ready to pick when they are firm and fully colored, whereas lettuce is at its prime when the leaves are full and crisp. As you are picking the vegetables, ensure that you are gentle and won’t damage them. Before picking, always ensure that your hands are clean, and use cutting tools, such as scissors and a sharp knife as necessary. Harvesting your vegetables is also an opportunity to inspect your garden for any pests or diseases that may affect your produce. Finally, always store your harvested vegetables in a dry and cool place, such as a fridge, to preserve their freshness for a longer period.
How Long Before You can Start Harvesting?
The time it takes to start getting harvest from your garden varies depending on what you planted, when you planted it, and the growing conditions. Generally, plants like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers can start producing fruit within 60-90 days of planting. Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach can be ready to harvest in as little as 30 days. Root vegetables like carrots and beets can take a bit longer, typically 60-90 days. Additionally, the climate in your region and how often you water and fertilize your plants can affect the growing time. It’s important to research the specific needs of the plants you’ve planted to ensure you’re giving them the best environment to thrive and produce a bountiful harvest.
Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to start gardening! If you’re just starting out with gardening, you’re bound to have some questions along the way. We recommend doing research on an as-needed basis from here on out. We believe in you – before you know it you’ll have a beautiful and prosperous garden!
Don’t forget to take all the necessary measure to get your household completely prepared for the upcoming food shortages.
