Want to start a garden, but not sure where to begin? In this post I’ll cover the basics of gardening, and provide links to more detailed information so you can garden with confidence and have fun doing it.
We’ll take you from bed preparation through harvesting your homegrown vegetables, flowers and herbs. Nothing beats the flavor of fresh picked produce picked at the peak of ripeness!
Rule #1 – If you won’t eat a crop, don’t grow it in your vegetable garden. (I break this rule for flowers. Edible or not, I like to see at least a few in every garden.) Focus on the fruits, vegetables or herbs that your family enjoys the most.
Once you know where you want your garden, decide on the type and size of garden bed(s). Raised beds are attractive and may make it easier to work in your garden, but they also dry out more quickly. In very dry areas, sunken beds can be used to gather available moisture.
Think about planting your garden in blocks or beds of plants instead of single rows. Beds should be 3 to 4 feet across – narrow enough that you can reach the center from either side. Beds should be roughly 10 feet long or less, so you’re not tempted to step into the bed and compact the ground.