Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Veggie Garden

If you love the idea of growing your very own fresh fruit and vegetables but have never picked up a watering can before, you’re in the right place! You may not think you have a green thumb, but you’ll be amazed with what you can do with a little commitment.

After all, the sweet victory of a delicious, juicy harvest will be worth all of the time and effort you invest.

When you first start to plan your vegetable garden, it’s all too easy to jump straight in and grow as much as you can. But anyone who has gardened before will warn you that this is not the way to go and will most likely set you up for disappointment. Here are some tips to consider if you are about to embark on this rewarding journey – which can turn into obsession quite fast!

1) The location
One of the first things to consider is the location of where your new veggie patch will be. Most vegetables and fruits love full sun all day, and if you have pets, your plants should be protected from them. Ideally the location should be convenient to you, such as near a water source.

2) The Size
When starting your first garden with little experience, small is the way to go. You can start learning the basics and really get a feel if this new hobby is for you or not without investing too much time and money. A small planter bed is ideal for the back yard or you can even grow in pots – especially if you live in an apartment and you don’t have the luxury of outdoor space.

3) Choosing what to grow
Luckily vegetables are one of the easiest things to grow! The first thing you should ask yourself is “what veggies do I like to eat” and then plan accordingly, taking into consideration the requirements for each plant. It’s best to start with 4-5 different veggies, making sure not to plant too many at once and limiting the room they have to grow. By planting successive crops, your garden can be productive year-round, alternating between the seasons. Some crops like tomatoes will produce fruit throughout the season whilst other like carrots can only be harvested once.

4) Give your plants some love
What do plants love, you might ask? Well, they love well-draining soil which is rich in nutrients (fertilizer can help here), water, warm sun and a prune here and there to optimise growth. Regularly pop out to check for any signs of pests or weeds and inspect any plants that look unhealthy so you can catch the problem swiftly and efficiently.

5) Watering
Watering your plants correctly for your region is key to success. For example, if you live in a hot dry environment, your plants will need more water, more frequently. If you live in an area that is warm and humid, your plants may need watering less frequently.
While your seeds are germinating, they like to be kept moist and warm, whereas more established plants like a big drink every few days – this encourages the roots to grow deeper to produce a healthy, strong plant.

6) The harvest
By checking your seed packet or researching online you can find the right harvest time for your chosen fruit and veg. If you leave it too late, the first frost can deteriorate your produce, so make sure you’re ready!

Here are some recommended plants to grow for beginners:

• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Snow peas
• Peppers
• Carrots
• Radishes
• Lettuce
• Herbs

TIP: If space is an issue for you, consider growing vining plants such as tomatoes or cucumbers, that can grow vertically. You will need some type of trellis to support this type of growing.

Good luck, and happy growing!