Embarking on starting a vegetable garden from scratch can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Whether you have a spacious backyard or just a tiny balcony, cultivating your vegetables provides fresh organic produce and connects you with nature.
This guide will help you establish a thriving vegetable garden, even if you’re a novice.
My Backyard Vegetable Garden
Well, it’s that time of year again. It’s time to prepare my vegetable garden for planting around late April in Maryland, and I thought it would benefit my readers if I shared some of my experiences with you.
I highly recommend that everyone grow a backyard garden, even living in an apartment or condominium with limited space. The best time to start your garden is after all signs of freezing temperatures have passed.
If you live in an apartment or condominium, you can begin by growing plants in containers that you can place on your balcony or patio. You can grow as many containers as you like, which is probably the easiest and least time-consuming way.
When To Start
If you live in a place that experiences winter with snow, the best time to start is early Spring. Some cool weather plants like spinach and kale can be sown early.
If you are growing from seed, start your plants inside and transplant them to your garden once the dangers of frost have passed.
How to Start a Small Vegetable Garden from scratch for Beginners
1. Select an Ideal Location
The first step in starting a vegetable garden from scratch is choosing the right location. Most veggies require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight, so find a spot with ample sunlight. Ensure the area has good drainage and is easily accessible for watering and maintenance.
2. Plan Your Garden Layout
Sketch a rough layout of your garden, considering the space available and the types of veggies you want to grow.
Consider the mature size of each plant and allow for proper spacing to promote good air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
Use string and wooden stakes to stake out an area. My garden in the top photo is 20′ x 30′ (feet).
3. Prepare the Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful vegetable garden. Conduct a soil test to determine its pH and nutrient levels. To improve fertility, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to facilitate root growth.
4. Add some fertilizer to the party. In this case, I used some excellent old-fashioned cow manure. I live in horse and farm country, so getting one of the local farmers to drop off a couple of yards for free is easy. They are glad to get rid of it.
Fertilizer acts as food for the soil; the vegetables get their food from the ground that ate the manure. Well-fed soil produces healthy and colorful plants. Add more fertilizer at the beginning of each growing season.
5. Choose the Right Vegetables
Select vegetables that suit your climate and the growing conditions of your garden. For beginners, it is advisable to start with easy-to-grow vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and herbs.
Consider the available space and choose a variety of crops that mature at different times.
6. Purchase Quality Seeds or Seedlings
Whether you opt for seeds or seedlings, choose high-quality, disease-resistant varieties. Read the instructions on seed packets for proper planting depth and spacing. If you’re starting with seedlings, transplant them carefully, ensuring they have enough space to grow.
7. Planting and Watering
Follow the recommended planting depth and spacing for each. Water the garden thoroughly after planting, and establish a consistent watering schedule. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Put up a fence to keep unwanted critters out of your garden. In my case, a friend gave me his wire mesh doggie fence that he no longer needed. Add metal stakes to the ground every six feet around the perimeter and attach your new fence.
Please don’t buy cheap plastic vinyl fences because the rabbits will chew through them. You could also build a custom wooden fence if you like, but this may prevent you from extending your garden in the future.
8. Implement Companion Planting
Companion planting can boost your garden’s health and productivity. Certain plants complement each other, deterring pests and enhancing growth. For example, marigolds can help repel nematodes, while basil can improve tomatoes’ flavor.
9. Monitor for Pests and Diseases
Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, minimizing damage. Consider using natural remedies like neem oil or introducing beneficial insects to control pests without chemical pesticides.
10. Harvest and Enjoy
Once your vegetables have reached maturity, harvest them regularly to encourage continuous production. Enjoy the fruits of your labor by incorporating fresh, homegrown produce into your meals.
Keep the Soil Moist While Sowing Your Seeds
You must keep your soil moist after planting seeds; if not, they will not grow. If you do not already have one, invest in a sound sprinkler system and garden hose.
Sometimes, Mother Nature will provide enough rain, so you will not have to anticipate watering.
To keep grass and weeds from growing between your rows, place cardboard on the ground and cover it with grass clippings from your lawnmower. Cardboard is biodegradable and will turn into compost for your soil.
Why I Decided to Start
It’s cheaper, healthier, and more convenient than grocery stores.
For $10.00 in seeds, my garden produced so many vegetables that I had to give them to friends and family. I never use pesticides on my plants; instead, I sprinkle ash from my charcoal grill/ wood smoker directly onto the leaves.
Bugs don’t like the taste of ash very much. Also, I wanted to feel more connected and tuned into Mother Nature. Nothing grounds the body like working with your hands in the earth’s soil. There is no guarantee of what the future might hold.
Many of us are so used to going to the grocery store and buying food. What if something happened and you couldn’t get to the grocery store? With your vegetable garden, you won’t have to worry about that.
It’s the coolest thing that I have ever seen. I would have done it long ago if I had known that starting a vegetable garden would be so easy.
It’s fun to watch your little sprout-lets grow daily, and it’s super convenient to walk out your back door and pick fresh vegetables and herbs to prepare for dinner.
I can also use some of my vegetables during the winter months. This is another straightforward process, and it’s wise to learn it.
Update: A friend who no longer needed it gave me a Mantis Tiller. It is perfect for tilling the weeds between the rows. It used to take me about four hours to weed my garden, but it takes me about 30 minutes with the Tiller.
I recommend that you get one as soon as you can. The Mantis Tiller is small, lightweight, and easy to carry around the garden.
Update: The Mantis Tiller wouldn’t start. I tried fixing it myself but eventually took it in to get serviced by professionals. Once I got it back, after spending $150, it lasted five minutes, and then it died permanently.
I was without a tiller for a season until my neighbor told me a Montgomery Ward walk behind the tiller at a yard sale around the corner from my house. I bought it for $20, which still works five years later.
Backyard Vegetable Garden FAQs
What is the most accessible vegetable garden for beginners?
For beginners, it’s often recommended to start with vegetables that are easy to grow, require minimal care, and are relatively forgiving of common gardening mistakes.
Here are some vegetables that are great choices for novice gardeners:
- Tomatoes: They are relatively easy to grow and offer various options. Cherry tomatoes are especially popular for beginners.
- Lettuce: Fast-growing and can be harvested at various stages. Leaf lettuce is particularly easy to grow.
- Radishes: Quick to mature and can be ready to harvest in just a few weeks.
- Zucchini or Summer Squash: These plants are prolific growers and can yield much produce with minimal effort.
- Herbs (e.g., basil, parsley, mint): Many herbs are forgiving and can be grown in pots if you don’t have much space.
- Green Beans: Bush varieties are often recommended for beginners. They are relatively low-maintenance and produce well.
- Peppers: Both sweet and hot pepper varieties are generally easy to grow.
- Cucumbers: Choose compact or bush varieties for easier management. They do well in containers, too.
- Carrots: Once established, carrots require minimal attention and can be left in the ground until needed.
- Onions: Green onions or scallions are particularly easy to grow and can be a good starting point.
Consider the local climate, soil conditions, and available sunlight when starting your vegetable garden.
Additionally, pay attention to proper spacing, watering, and pest control practices. Starting with a few varieties and gradually expanding as you gain experience is a smart approach for beginners.
Gardening can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, and starting with easy-to-grow vegetables can help build confidence and success.
What is the quickest vegetable to grow?
If you’re looking for quick results in your garden, here are some of the quickest-growing vegetables that you can consider:
- Radishes: Radishes are known for their rapid growth and can be ready to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks.
- Lettuce: Leaf lettuce varieties, such as loose-leaf or mesclun mixes, can be harvested in about 3-4 weeks after planting.
- Spinach: Baby spinach leaves can be harvested in around 4-6 weeks, making it a relatively quick-growing leafy green.
- Arugula: Similar to spinach, arugula is a fast-growing leafy green that can be ready for harvest in about 3-4 weeks.
- Green Onions/Scallions: You can start harvesting green onions at least 3-4 weeks after planting. Plus, you can continue to harvest them as needed.
- Microgreens: While not a specific vegetable, microgreens are young, tender greens that can be harvested in just 1-2 weeks after germination. Common microgreens include radish, broccoli, and sunflower shoots.
- Herbs (e.g., basil, cilantro): Many herbs are quick growers, and you can start harvesting leaves within a few weeks of planting.
- Bush Beans: Some varieties of bush beans can be ready for harvest in 50-60 days, which is relatively quick compared to other bean types.
It’s important to note that the actual time to harvest may vary based on weather conditions, soil quality, and care practices. Additionally, you can consider starting with seedlings or young plants rather than seeds for even quicker results.
What are the hardest vegetables to grow?
Certain vegetables are considered more challenging to grow due to specific requirements, susceptibility to diseases or pests, or a longer growing season.
Here are some that are often considered more challenging for various reasons:
- Artichokes: Artichokes can be challenging due to their long growing season, specific temperature and soil requirements, and sensitivity to frost.
- Asparagus: Asparagus requires patience, as it takes a few years to establish a productive bed. It needs well-drained soil and a dedicated space in the garden.
- Cauliflower: Growing cauliflower can be challenging because it is sensitive to temperature changes and susceptible to pests and diseases.
- Brussels Sprouts: These take a long time to mature and can be vulnerable to pests like aphids. They also require a long growing season.
- Celery: Celery can be challenging due to its specific water and nutrient needs. It also requires a longer growing season and cool temperatures.
- Broccoli: Like cauliflower, broccoli can be temperamental and susceptible to pests and diseases. It requires consistent care for optimal production.
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes can be challenging because they need a long, warm growing season. They also require well-drained soil and can be sensitive to cool temperatures.
- Pumpkins: While pumpkins are generally not difficult to grow, they can take up a lot of space, and certain varieties may be more susceptible to pests and diseases.
- Melons (e.g., watermelons, cantaloupes): Melons can be challenging due to their space requirements, sensitivity to temperature changes, and susceptibility to certain pests and diseases.
- Artichokes: Growing artichokes can be challenging due to their preference for a Mediterranean climate. They may struggle in areas with extreme temperatures.
Success with these vegetables often depends on soil preparation, climate, pest management, and proper care throughout the growing season.
While these vegetables may be considered more challenging, with the right knowledge and attention to their specific needs, you can still cultivate a successful harvest.
If you’re a beginner, consider starting with easier-to-grow vegetables and gradually taking on more challenging crops as you gain experience.
Conclusion
Starting a vegetable garden from scratch may seem daunting initially, but with careful planning and attention, you’ll soon enjoy a bountiful harvest.
Embrace the learning process, stay attentive to your plant’s needs, and take pride in the sustainable and delicious results of your homegrown vegetables. Happy gardening!
