DH and I are thinking about starting a little garden, but neither of us have had one before and it seems overwhelming. We're in the Northeast, so right now the ground is snow-covered and not exactly planting ready, but the time will come soon enough! Any advice for a first-timer?
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Our next door neighbor/lawn lady is currently starting one for us. Were pitching in some cash.
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I wanted to ask this same question! We want to start a garden too but have no idea where to start, or what things are easiest to grow. Subscribing
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@artbee: Oh man, that is so lucky! What I wouldn't give for a kind, elderly neighbor to help me sort out gardening.
By the way, for those of you who are gardeners or aspiring gardeners, I found this editorial really interesting:
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/29/lawns-into-gardens/ -
We're getting ours ready to go tomorrow since we're in Florida and its hot already. We do a raised bed, which is the best way to go for a small garden, in my opinion. Ours will be 12x8 this year and we used 2"x6" boards. I'd prefer 2 small beds (4x8 maybe), since its easier to pick and maintain, but my husband went a little crazy this year.
Other than picking the size bed you want, you just have to find an area that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun. Then either till the area or lay landscape fabric down and fill the box with a mix of topsoil and organic matter. I use Black Kow and peat moss, but it'll really depend on your area. You probably have a master gardener that can give you an idea of the best combo of soil to get together.
And after all that, since you're up north, I'm assuming you'll have to start your seeds inside. Or you can just not do seeds and buy plants ready to transplant once they get in to the local nurseries. That's the easiet way to go since you're just starting. Seeds just give you the opportunity to plant all kinds of crazy stuff. I'm assuming the rules are the same there; no planting until after the last frost.
Whoa that was long.
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@bree72: No, that was helpful! It sounds like you are going organic, too, which is how I would like to keep things. Is it tough keeping creatures out of the garden? If so, do you have any tips for keeping them away?
Last but not least, I am jealous that you are down south. I went to visit a friend in Sarasota two weeks ago while the NE was experiencing a blizzard and it was LOVELY. I am still dreaming about it.
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@meredithNYC: Chicken wire strung around it can do wonders. And have your husband pee around the outside. Yeah, I go there.
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My dad has an awesome garden, he lives in GA. He grows tomatoes and a variety of leafy greens. One of these days I am going to have him help me create a potted herb garden.
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@meredithNYC: not elderly. And I don't know how kind..... I think she's ripping us off. Dh and I don't have time to help with the labor so we offered to pay her to do it and its costing way more then we thought it would. But its already started and I really want fresh veggies from my garden!
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I'm no real gardner, but I have enjoyed planting a bunch of different things when we moved to a place with a yard! Seeing stuff grow is really satisfying - a real "fruit of labor"! I would recommend researching the type of sunlight and location in your garden for whatever you want to plant.
That affects how things grow or die (and dying plants always kills my motivation).Herbs & tomatoes in general have been the easiest things for me to grow as a beginner. As are squashes, cucumbers, etc.
I also recommend getting starter plants vs. starting from seeds. Faster results = more satisfaction and desire to keep going! -
@bree72: Ha! Will it work if my dog does the peeing?
@artbee: For some reason I pictured elderly, but I stand corrected
I hope dealing with her is worth it in the end, but I'm sure if you get your fresh veggies it will be!@shopaholic: Thanks for the advice re: starter plants! I am also most interested in herbs & tomatoes, so I'm pleased to hear that they are good beginner plants.
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We have one! Go to a garden store and ask what veggies are easy to grow in your area. Peas do really well here, and they start early. I also have good luck with tomatoes and strawberries.
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Not me. I'm a plant's worst nightmare! Lol
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-Start small. If you create a huge garden and it gets crazy and weedy it will discourage you. So start small - you can always add to the garden next year.
-I'd just get bedding plants for now, save starting seeds indoors for another year. That's a whole 'nother can of worms.
-plants veggies that you like. If you like tomatoes and peppers, grow tomatoes and peppers.
-water them every day. Especially if it's hot. They'll be thirsty.
Good luck - I can't wait to start mine and that's not until May here.
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@meredithNYC: Dog pee probably won't work, especially if your dog already pees out there. Raccoons seem to be the real hassle. Rabbits, possums, squirrels seem to be deterred by the wire, but raccoons are a pain. They seem to really hate man pee.
And you might be jealous of my weather, but I'm jealous of yours. This winter has been so hot and people are already grumpy. We're all terrified of the summer at this point.
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As a garden coach I recommend to those who are just starting out (or even experienced gardeners) to read All-New Square Foot Gardening. I believe it is the easiest way to garden. When just starting out begin with one or two raised boxes and a small variety of plants. Once you have gained more confidence and a knowledge add more a bit at a time. You can also visit http://www.squarefootgardening.org for more information and to find a teacher in your area. When my children were young I built them each their own bed and let them choose what they wanted to plant. This experience helps children to understand where food comes from and they are more likely to eat fresh fruits and vegetable - especially if they grew it.
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I'm interested in this topic as well!
@Beuna: i will check this out. Thanks!
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I usually plant a garden which is at least an acre in size. So as far as advice on a small garden, i'm not sure what to say. I guess, 1 plant goes a LONG way. Don't think you have to plant ALL the seeds because trust me, you will have to find room to store all of the food and unless you'll be doing canning or freezing, you will not be able to consume it all before it spoils. Good luck! I 'm so jealous, we still have 3 feet of snow here
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