Gardening used to be a common part of everyday life. Not too long ago, neighbors would swap fresh vegetables over fences, and most people had a connection with local farmers. Many of us remember our grandparents proudly opening jars of homemade pickles or jam.
If you’re thinking about diving into gardening and starting your own little green patch, here’s a simple guide to help you get started.
Even though our shopping habits have changed, like hitting up big-box stores, we can still grow some of our food, at least for part of the year, almost anywhere. However, many people, especially in the U.S., hardly take advantage of this opportunity. Growing local food is important, and gardening is also great for our bodies and minds. This year, how about doing something good for the planet and your family? Why not test your green thumb instead of spending a lot on organic veggies at the store by trying organic gardening at home?
During wartime, families were encouraged to plant “victory gardens” to help avoid food shortages. At one point, there were over 20 million such gardens in the U.S. As time passed and people moved to urban areas, home gardening started to decline.
But you can still have a garden no matter where you live! If you’re new to gardening, start small and make use of whatever space you have. This could be a container garden on your porch or an herb garden on your kitchen windowsill. If space allows, an in-ground garden can yield enough food for your family.
Good news: gardening is experiencing a revival in recent years!
Starting your first garden can feel overwhelming with all the different plants, seeds, and styles to consider, not to mention keeping everything alive. If having fresh, nutrient-rich food is important to you, then even a small garden or an indoor herb box is a step towards that goal. Garden produce doesn’t always have to be canned; you can freeze many types or simply enjoy them fresh.
A favorite benefit of gardening? Kids get to connect with healthy eating in a magical way when they see how their food is grown. So here’s a step-by-step guide to starting your own organic backyard garden.
Some people are lucky to have a big backyard, but many of us are in cities or suburbs with limited sunny spaces. Figure out how much space you can spare for gardening and plan accordingly. Check how many hours of direct sunlight your chosen spot gets, as this will guide you in choosing the best location. Ideally, it should be near a water source like a spigot or hose, as lugging a watering can back and forth can be tedious.
If space is tight, consider using raised beds to maximize production. For container gardens on a patio, ensure you have quality soil, organic fertilizer, sufficient sun, and proper drainage.
What you decide to grow will depend on your available space, but you’ll have choices between annuals (like eggplants and tomatoes) and perennials (like rosemary and echinacea).
At first, it can be challenging to know what to plant. In my earlier gardening days, we’d have an overflow of tomatoes and wish for more cucumbers. Now, I focus on growing plants that we eat a lot and those that are expensive to buy organically. For us, that means spinach, strawberries, winter squash, tomatoes, herbs, cucumbers, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and peppers are on our list.
Need help planning? Websites like GrowVeg.com offer handy tools like mapping guides and planting charts tailored to your climate.
If you’re feeling daunted by gardening books and charts—don’t worry! Start with a few seed packets and follow the packet instructions. Each year, you’ll learn more and gradually grow the garden of your dreams. Great beginner seeds include easy-to-grow varieties.
Want a super simple option? Get a beginner’s gardening kit with all the necessary instructions and tools.
Starting seeds indoors gives you a head start and extends the growing season. For plants like tomatoes and peppers, it’s almost essential. You can buy plants from a garden center, but growing from seed is a fun and cost-effective way to explore a range of heirloom and organic plants.
Check your area’s last frost date to know when to plant seeds. For fall gardens, sow seeds in summer, either directly outdoors or indoors.
Once you’ve set aside garden space, ensuring good soil is crucial. You might need to add organic matter or compost to amend it. Many community extension offices offer affordable soil testing to see what your soil might need. We found that adding organic compost transformed our dense, acidic clay into rich, productive soil.
For simplicity, try a DIY planter box made of cedar, ideal for herbs and greens and fitting well on most patios.
To maximize space, consider companion planting, succession planting, and vertical gardening. Companion planting helps by growing plants that benefit each other together, like corn, beans, and squash. Succession planting extends harvests by following one crop with another in the same space. Vertical elements like trellises are great for plants that grow upwards.
After planting, focus on feeding and weeding. If you’ve prepped your soil with compost, you won’t need to worry about this for a while, but homemade compost tea can give your plants a boost. Organic gardening means more weeding since chemical herbicides are a no-go. Prevent weeds by covering garden paths with newspaper, cardboard, or mulch.
Dealing with pests can be tricky in organic gardening, but lots of natural options exist. Pay attention to your garden regularly to spot issues early. Taking your morning coffee around your plants can help you notice changes or pest damage before it gets serious.
Expect some challenges in your first year, but growing your food at home is incredibly rewarding. The taste is amazing, and kids love picking and eating what they’ve grown. Plus, it’s satisfying to know what you’re eating and spend some quality time outside.
Are you planning to garden this year? What’s on your planting list? Let me know!
