If you have a newfound interest in gardening, you’re not alone. In the years since the pandemic, America has more growers than ever. But while a horticultural hobby can be rewarding, and even beneficial to your physical and mental health, starting a vegetable garden can seem a bit intimidating.
The truth, though, is that anyone can grow vegetables, whether it’s in a big backyard or a tiny window box. The best time to start planning an edible harvest is in the early spring, so use these pro tips to set yourself up for success.
Pick the right plot
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Though it may seem obvious, the first step to starting a garden is figuring out where to put it. “You want a spot that’s sunny, so we always suggest people pick the southern-facing side of their property,” says Dan Kemper, a master trainer at Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pa. “If you can get eight to 12 hours of light, that’s what we would consider full sun. That’s where most plants will do their best.”
There are a lot of ways to create a garden: if you have the space, you can sacrifice some lawn or build raised beds. If you don’t want to put plants directly in the ground, you can also grow veggies in containers. That’s a great way to get started, says Nancy Awot-Traut, horticulture expert with seed and plant company Burpee.
“I would recommend new gardeners go with containers first, especially if they’re in a smaller space like a condo,” she says. “If you are doing a raised bed or going into the ground, don’t go too big. I always tell people to start with under 50 square feet.”
You can always add on to your garden, but the more space — and plants — you have, the harder you’ll have to work. “There’s watering and weeding and looking for bugs, and a lot of people don’t really want to put that much time into it,” Awot-Traut says.
Source: washingtonpost.com
