There are numerous benefits to starting a vegetable garden. For starters it is cost efficient, straightforward, stress-relieving, and ultimately rewarding. Unfortunately, many people are discouraged due to a lack of space. Some believe that their yard is too small, while others are limited to a patio or balcony. Luckily, you don’t need a yard to grow your own food! There are several methods by which gardens can be made. We want to help by breaking down the different ways you can start, what you can plant, and how your garden can thrive!
Find a Growing Method!
If your yard is small or nonexistent, then containers, hanging baskets, and raised beds are great alternatives. When containers or pots are used they must be seven to ten gallons. Small pots will not have enough room for a plant’s roots, quickly negating the effort put into starting a garden. Hanging baskets have similar sizing rules, though there is a gallon to inches conversion. As for raised beds, they should range from 2×4 to 4×4. If you have started a raised bed before and have since neglected it, you can easily revitalize it with Bumper Crop Soil Builder or Master Nursery Paydirt.
Pick Your Veggies!
Once you have chosen your growing method it will be time to pick out what you’ll grow! In addition to the long list of vegetables that can be planted in the aforementioned ways, there are some fruits and many herbs that will also thrive! With limited space you will want to put some consideration into what you choose to plant. It is recommended that you start with planting things you know will be eaten in order to avoid wasted space and wasted food. Furthermore, it could be beneficial to stagger planting times so as not to be inundated with too much produce all at once. You may also want to plant the produce that is more expensive in grocery stores. To assist we created a list of popular picks:
- Basil
- Cabbage
- Chives
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Leafy Greens
- Lettuce
- Oregano
- Parsely
- Peas
- Pepper Plant
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Strawberries
- Summer Squash
- Tomatoes
*Compact or dwarf varieties of any plants listed above would be preferable.
Grow a Thriving Garden!
The care instructions for your garden are relatively straightforward. Your plants will need full sun, at least six to eight hours a day. They should be watered everyday, especially if you are in an area that gets extreme heat. A well-draining soil is best. If your plant has vines, then stakes or trellises will eventually be necessary for support. The Farmer’s Almanac website is an incredibly helpful guide to any plant questions. Here is a lengthy list of plants and their different needs. This is also a good resource for the planting process.
We wish you the best of luck on your new gardening adventure!
Downtown Walnut Creek Ace Hardware is Master Nursery certified. We carry a variety of organic soils and fertilizers that are sure to help your garden grow!
