Starting My First Garden: The Complete Guide

Thinking about growing your own food? You might be wondering, “What should I know before starting my first garden?” Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Check out these tips made just for new gardeners so you can dodge common mistakes and get ready to fill your kitchen with fresh-grown produce.

How to start a backyard garden for the very first time with confidence, growing the foods you love right outside your kitchen door.

Beginner Mistakes

When I started my first garden, I made so many mistakes. Not only did I plant way more than we could ever eat, but I put our large garden right next to the woods, giving free munchies to every rabbit in the vicinity.

I’ll admit it—I learned the ropes of gardening the hard way. But every mistake taught me something valuable and helped me build the skills I have today.

Don’t let inexperience keep you from growing your own food. No matter how much you prepare, mistakes will happen, but they are all apart of the learning process.

Growing a Healthier Diet

There’s nothing quite like growing your own fresh, organic food and having more control over what ends up on your plate. By starting your own garden, you can have access to a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and eating fresh is the easiest way to eat healthily.

“Vitamins and antioxidants in some types of produce may be more than 100 percent higher in local crops versus imported ones”. Source: Gardentech.com

But if you’re just starting out, the whole idea of a vegetable garden can feel a little intimidating—and it’s easy to bite off more than you can chew. Take it from me, one trip to the store for a “few” seeds led me to planting a massive 20-by-40 foot garden that I had no idea how to manage.

a dish of soup next to garlic toast on a plate

Things to know before starting a new garden

There are a few key tips I learned early on that I want to share first. These tips will help set you up for success in growing, tending, and also keep your gardening budget in tact.

Fences are your friend. Even if you think there are no rabbits or deer nearby, a fence can keep out other threats as well. Put the fence up now so you protect your area from day one.
You do not need to plant the entire packet of seeds. Plant enough to feed your family without going overboard. Less is definitely more when first starting out. As you grow in skills, you can then grow the size of your garden.
You do not need to toss unused seeds. Seeds will actually keep for 3-5 years allowing you to buy seeds this year for your next 2-3 gardens. Keep seeds organized in a file box so you always know what you have and what you need.
Gardens take work. Work to plant, work to tend, and most importantly work to harvest. Keep this all in mind as you mapping out your garden size.
There are shortcuts. The good news is there are a few shortcuts you can use to make the daily chores easier to get done.

24 Slot Seed Storage Organizer Box with Dual Zipper Bag, 100 Pcs Sealed Bags and 80 Pcs Label Stickers, Seed Saving Container for Garden Vegetable and Flower Plants Orionstar Seed Storage Organizer, Metal Seed Saving Box with Lid, Seed Bin with 30 Plant Labels 30 Seed Envelopes 1 Marker Pens, 4 Compartments Box with Safety Locks, Blackish Green ProCase 41 Slots Seed Storage Organizer Sorter Box, Sturdy Seed Bank Saving Kit Container for Garden Vegetable Plant Flower, Seed Keeper Set with Label Stickers Funnel 3 Size of Bottles 1 oz 3 oz 5 oz

What’s the best garden layout for beginners?

If you’re starting your first garden, getting the layout right is super important. A good layout makes your garden productive and enjoyable to care for, instead of feeling like a never-ending chore.

For beginners, keeping it simple is the way to go. Choose a layout that’s easy to maintain and gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day. Here are a few great options to consider:

Raised Bed Gardens – These are a favorite for many gardeners both old and new. With raised beds, you can easily manage soil quality and drainage, and they’re great for keeping things organized.

Raised garden bed that is planted with peppers

Traditional Row Gardens – This classic option involves planting your crops in long rows with walkways in between. It’s straightforward and gives you easy access to your plants.

a traditional row garden layout with squash plants (1)

Container Gardens – If you’re short on space, container gardening is perfect. Veggies can grow in pots, buckets, or almost any container, and you can move them around as needed.

a collection of grow bags with plants growing inside

Whatever layout you pick, remember to think about your garden’s location. Make sure it gets enough sunlight, is close to a water source, and is protected from hungry critters like rabbits or deer.

First Tiem GArdenn- Prep Work

Before you start digging there are a few things to figure out. Let’s go over the most important.

#1. How Big of a Garden Do You Need?

This depends on a few factors such as how much space you have available, what vegetables you want to grow, and how many people you are looking to feed. As a beginner, it’s best to start small and manageable. You can always expand your garden in the future if needed.

Single Person – If you are looking to grow enough vegetables for one person, a raised bed garden or container garden measuring 4×4 feet should be sufficient.
Empty Nester Couple – If you are an empty nester couple, a smaller raised bed or container garden should be enough to provide fresh vegetables for two people.
Small Family – For a small family of 2-3 people, aim for a larger raised bed garden or multiple containers with at least 25 square feet of space.
Large Family – For a large family of 4 or more, consider a traditional row garden with at least 50 square feet of space.

READ: What is an Average Garden Size?

What vegetables should you grow?

If you’re just starting out, it’s best to choose vegetables that are easy to grow, require little maintenance, and yield a generous harvest.

Some great beginner options that are forgiving and grow well in a variety of conditions are:

Tomatoes and cucumbers are particularly rewarding because they produce a lot throughout the growing season.
Carrots
Lettuce grows quickly and can be harvested as needed, giving you a continuous supply of fresh greens.
Hearty herbs like basil and mint.

Focus on vegetables you and your family love to eat. Are you a fan of zucchini? Toss that on the list. Love homemade salsa? Plant and grow a salsa garden. By growing veggies you enjoy, you’ll get even more enjoyment out of your gardening efforts.

READ: First-Time Gardener Vegetables for a complete list of the best things to grow starting out.

#3. When Should You Plant?

The best time to plant your garden depends on your location’s climate and the specific vegetables you are growing.

Some vegetables, like peas and lettuce, can be planted early in the spring while others, like tomatoes and peppers, should wait until after the last frost. Do some research on the specific vegetables you want to grow and their ideal planting times for your area.

You can use this helpful tool at the Farmer’s Almanac. Just put in your zip code and you will get a basic timeline of when to plant the most common vegetables and fruit.

#4. Where Should You Plant?

In addition to choosing what type of garden you will have, it’s important to consider where in your yard or outdoor space you should plant it. Vegetables need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, so choose a spot that gets plenty of sun. You’ll also want to consider access to water and make sure your garden is in a convenient location for watering.

Additionally, pay attention to the soil quality in the area you plan to plant and consider implementing raised beds or containers if necessary. Lastly, think about any potential pests or animals that may be attracted to your garden and take measures to protect your plants.

Things You Can do to Prep Your Soil for Better Growing:

#5. Should You Plant Seeds or Seedlings?

Both seeds and seedlings have their benefits when it comes to starting your vegetable garden. Seeds are generally cheaper and give you more control over the growing process, but they also require time and effort to nurture into mature plants.

Seedlings, on the other hand, are already partially grown and can be easier for beginners to manage. However, they may be more expensive than seeds and you may have less variety to choose from.

Ultimately, the decision between seeds or seedlings will depend on your personal preference and gardening experience.

Where should you purchase your seeds or seedlings?

When it comes to buying seeds or seedlings for your garden, you’ve got plenty of options. Local nurseries and gardening centers are great choices, and you can often find helpful staff ready to answer your questions.

Where we live there is an Amish nursery that I love to visit each spring. They have such a large variety and area so ready to help with planting and growing tips.

a local garden nursery with seedlings in flats on a long table

Supporting local businesses is always a nice bonus too. Check out nearby farmers’ markets or small garden shops—they often carry unique or regional plants you won’t find elsewhere.

If convenience is most important, shopping online opens you up to a huge variety of vegetable seeds and plants. Just make sure to take a little time to research the specific varieties you want and stick to reputable sellers for quality seeds.

Whichever route you go, remember to carefully read the planting and care instructions for your seeds or seedlings. A little preparation goes a long way in setting your garden up for success!

#7. What are the essential tools needed for a successful first garden?

While it’s easy to get carried away with all the different gardening tools available, there are a few essential tools that every beginner gardener should have.

These include:

It’s also important to have proper storage for your tools, such as a shed or designated space in your garage, to keep them organized and prevent damage.

More Garden Tools:

Planting and Growing

Now that you have done the ground for planning and prepping, it’s time to get into the ground and prep things for growing.

#1. Map Out Your Garden Layout

Before planting, it’s important to have a clear idea of how you want your garden to look and where each plant will go. This not only helps with organization but also ensures that plants are placed in areas with the right amount of sunlight and space.

You can use graph paper or an online garden planner tool to map out your layout.

#2. Prepare The Soil

The soil is the foundation for a healthy garden, so it’s important to make sure it’s in good condition.

Test the pH level of your soil and add any necessary amendments to ensure that it has the right balance for optimal plant growth. This could include adding compost, fertilizer or lime.

AiGerdinn Soil Tester, Soil Moisture Meter/Soil pH Meter/Sun-Light/Fertility for Gardening, Large Dial Soil pH Tester Plant Water Meter for Indoor&Outdoor Garden,Farm Soil Test Kit-FreshGreen Rapitest Soil Test Kit for Gardens, Vegetables, Flowers and Lawns. USA designed and assembled soil tester completely, quickly and accurately measures/analyzes soil pH acidity and garden nutrients.Garden Tutor Soil pH Test Kit (3.5-9 Range) | 100 Soil pH Tester Strips – Test Soil Acidity and Alkalinity of Garden Lawn Grass Flower Vegetable Compost Indoor and Outdoor Plants

#3. Plant Your Seeds or Seedlings

Follow the instructions for each type of plant and make sure to water them immediately after planting. For seeds, it’s important to keep them moist but not soaked until they sprout. For seedlings, gently loosen the root ball before placing them in the ground and watering thoroughly.

If you want a full guide on how to grow each type of plant, yes…every one! You can find our full collection here: How to Grow Guides.

#4. Water Regularly

Water is essential for plant growth, so it’s important to have a regular watering schedule. This will depend on the type of plants and the climate in your area. In general, it’s best to water in the morning or evening when the sun is not as strong to prevent evaporation.

READ: How to Water Your Garden

#5. Mulch and Weed

Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil and also prevents weeds from growing. Apply a layer of mulch around your plants, making sure to leave a small space around the stem. Regular weeding is also important to prevent weeds from competing with your plants for nutrients.

#6. Fertilize as Needed

Plants require certain nutrients to thrive, and fertilizing can help supplement any deficiencies in the soil. Make sure to use organic fertilizer and follow the instructions for each type of plant. Over-fertilizing can be harmful to your plants, so it’s important to use the recommended amount.

#7. Monitor and Maintain

Regularly check on your garden for any signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Address any issues immediately to prevent them from spreading and causing harm to your plants. Also, continue with regular maintenance tasks such as pruning, staking, and deadheading to keep your plants healthy and thriving.

Hay fork covering the ground around tomato plants with straw mulch

#8. Harvest and Enjoy

The best part of gardening is harvesting the fruits (or vegetables!) of your labor. Make sure to monitor your plants for when they are ready to be harvested, as each plant has different signs. Once you have harvested, enjoy your fresh produce in meals or share with friends and family.

#9. Expand Your Knowledge

Gardening is a continual learning process, and there is always something new to discover. Take the time to research different plants, growing techniques, and gardening methods to expand your knowledge and improve your gardening skills.

You can also join local gardening clubs or attend workshops and classes to learn from experienced gardeners. Remember, the more you know, the better equipped you will be to grow.

Starter Vegetable Gardens, 2nd Edition: 24 No-Fail Plans for Small Organic Gardens Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Sustain a Thriving Garden The Family Garden Plan: Grow a Year’s Worth of Sustainable and Healthy Food

Tips for Caring for Your Vegetable Garden

Maintaining a healthy vegetable garden requires regular care and attention. Here are some tips to help keep your plants happy and productive:

Water deeply and consistently, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, using natural methods of control when possible.
Rotate crops each season to prevent nutrient depletion and disease build-up in the soil.
Fertilize regularly with organic fertilizers to provide essential nutrients for plant growth.
Prune and train plants as needed to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
Harvest regularly to encourage continued production and prevent overripening or spoilage.

Gardening can be a rewarding and fulfilling hobby that not only provides fresh and nutritious produce but also allows for creativity, relaxation, and connection with nature.

With the right knowledge, tools, and care, anyone can become a successful vegetable gardener. So grab your gardening gloves and get ready to dig in! And remember, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty – that’s all part of the fun of gardening.

starting my first garden