1. PICK A SPOT
You want your garden to get lots of sun (6 hours is ideal) in an area that drains well (doesn’t hold water in a puddle after the rain).
2. PREPARE THE GARDEN SITE
There are a few different techniques you can choose from to prep your site.
- Sheet mulched beds (sometimes called lasagna gardening): This layering method is easy and builds healthy, happy soil.
- Raised beds: This is a good option if your soil is poor or contaminated, or doesn’t drain well. Frame your raised beds out of wood, stone, scrap metal, etc. and then fill in with sheet mulched layers or soil.
- Cut sod (grass) and plant directly: Using a spade or a sod cutter, dig out the grass and plant directly into the soil.
3. CHOOSE YOUR CROPS
Do a little research to find out what grows well in your region and be sure to include the fruits and vegetables that your family members enjoy most.
Courtesy: Kitchen Gardeners International
4. SKETCH OUT A GARDEN
What will be planted where and when? Research crops and what they like for soil, space, water, as well as when they’ll be planted. Sketch out a drawing or plan to guide you. Check out the garden planning tool at www.gardenplanner.kgi.org.
5. SEEDS OR TRANSPLANTS?
Some plants are easily started directly from seed. Others work better when seedlings are planted directly into the soil. Start your own seedlings indoors or buy transplants that others have started. The farmers’ market is a great source for locally grown (and often organic) seedlings.
6. MULCH AND WATER
Mulch helps prevent weeds, retains moisture, and adds organic matter to the soil. Place organic matter around your plants–leaves and grass clippings work well. And then water. As seedlings, water every day or two. As crops mature, they need about an inch of water a week. Reach out for help if need be, and enjoy your harvest!
Steps adapted from “How to Grow a Kitchen Garden,” Kitchen Gardeners International. www.kgi.org
