How to Start a Vegetable Garden in 6 Steps

Start growing your own food with these 6 basic steps By Janet Loughrey, Garden Writer & Photographer

Have you ever thought about growing your own vegetables, but don’t know where to start? If so, you’re not alone. Starting a vegetable garden doesn’t need to be daunting. By following some basic guidelines, you can be well on your way to harvesting your own lettuce or cucumbers for that summer-fresh salad.

Edible gardening has surged in popularity, with people seeking a deeper connection to their food and where it comes from. Homegrown vegetables fresh out the garden taste better than store-bought, and are often more nutritious. There’s great satisfaction in eating a ripe juicy tomato that you’ve grown yourself.

Step 1 – LEARN THE BASICS

All plants have basic needs for survival, including light, soil, water, and nutrients.

Light:

Most vegetables need at least 6 hours of full sun a day. Greens such as lettuce and spinach can tolerate partial shade. Root crops such as carrots and beets will do fine in a site that only receives morning sun.

Soil:

One of the most important elements to growing healthy vegetables is providing adequate soil. Native garden soils can be loamy, sandy, clay, or rocky. Vegetables need loose, well-draining soil that allows water and nutrients to be delivered efficiently to the root zone. Clay or compacted soil can cause standing water, which results in root rot and other diseases. Sandy soil allows water and nutrients to drain out too quickly.

Evaluate your existing soil with soil testing to determine what it needs. Organic amendments such as compost, manure, and worm castings will improve drainage, soil consistency, and provide nutrients. If your native soil is poor, consider adding raised beds and using a pre-made soil mix.

Water:

Vegetable plants grow their best with consistent watering. Water seedlings lightly and frequently to get their roots established. When plants get bigger, water less often and for longer to establish deeper roots. Too much water can result in root rot and fungal diseases. Not enough water can cause stunted growth and poor yields.

Plants will need more water during heat or dry spells. To determine if your plants need watering, stick your finger down into the soil. If it feels dry 2-4 inches down, then it’s time to water.

Nutrients:

All plants need nutrients to grow, with phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium being the primary nutrients. Many pre-packaged fertilizers are especially formulated for vegetables to remove the guesswork of determining what your plants need.

Soil pH:

A plant’s ability to absorb nutrients depends on the level of acidity or alkalinity of the soil, known as pH. This is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 1 being most acidic, 14 being most alkaline, and 7 being neutral. Most vegetables do well in soil that falls in the neutral range, with some preferring more acid or alkaline.

Before you plant, use a test kit to determine your soil pH. Pre-made soil mixes should already be properly balanced for at least the first growing season. Adjust pH by adding lime to increase alkalinity, or sulphur to increase acidity.

Keep it organic:

Avoid chemical fertilizers and pest or disease controls so that food doesn’t become contaminated.