Have you ever wanted to grow your own veggies right in your backyard? Gardening is not only a fun hobby, but a great way to feed your family cheaply as well. You could buy tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash at the store and have to deal with high prices and pesticides, or you could grow them yourself and be confident that you’re giving your family a wholesome food on a budget. We’ve got some tips to help you start your garden from the ground up so that your backyard can double as your grocery store.
Know Your Space
Take a look at the area where you want to plant your garden. Is it shaded or exposed to the sun for most of the day? Do you have a large space to work with, or are you planting in a limited area? Don’t worry if your garden isn’t huge– you can still grow some great veggies in even a tiny space! Try to pick a flat area, and make sure your plants can get as much sun as possible. Clean the area and remove any rocks or debris so that you can plant easily.
Pick Your Plants
You should consider the climate of your region. Living in the South and dealing with long, humid summers means that you’ll grow different veggies than someone who lives farther north. Check out the Southern States Vegetable Catalog for some suggestions on what plants will grow well in our area. Also, think about what kinds of veggies your family and friends enjoy. Don’t plant tomatoes if you don’t like them, even if they’re easy to grow!
Make High Beds
Most gardeners make high beds, which are mounds of soil a few inches high, to help the ground drain more easily. It’s very important for your garden to be able to drain, because most veggies won’t grow in soil that stays constantly wet. Make the beds a few feet wide so you’ll have plenty of room for all your plant varieties.
Prepare your Soil
Vegetables need nutrient-rich soil in order to grow their best. In order to give them the best environment you can, start by plowing your soil to loosen it up, then apply a fertilizer. Organic is best, but any kind of commercial garden fertilizer will do the job. You’ll need to do some research to find out exactly how much is best for the kinds of veggies you’re growing, because the amount varies from plant to plant. Lettuce, spinach, and other greens will need more fertilizer than peas or beans, for example.
Now that you know where to start, you can be well on your way to a table full of garden vegetables grown from your own backyard. Even if you think you don’t exactly have a green thumb, a project like this can be surprisingly easy and fun. If you have children, include them in on the planting. It’ll be a great family event with an amazing end product.
