How to Start a Vegetable Garden: A Beginner's Guide

Have you ever considered planting a vegetable garden? With spring around the corner, and our thoughts turning toward all things green, now is the time to make plans if you desire to grow vegetables this summer. Often new-comers to gardening are intimidated by the prospect of tilling, planting, weeding and harvesting. However, with some basic knowledge and a strong desire, you can easily get hooked on vegetable gardening.

Some people garden out of necessity and others out of a love for the hobby. Either way, consider the benefits of garden-grown produce. It is less expensive than what you buy from the store or farmer's market. Often, you pay only the cost of the seeds or plants you purchased and fertilizer. You also get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that no pesticides or chemicals have been used during the growing process. There is also a tremendous sense of satisfaction that comes with eating something you have grown yourself. So let's get started!

1. Determine how much space you have in which to plant. If you are going to till up the ground, measure the area out so you know how many items you can plant. Likewise, if you are going to plant in boxes to be kept on your deck or porch, know how much space you are going to be working with. If you want to simply plant a few tomato plants in buckets, that is fine too.

2. If you want to get an early start on planting, and would like to save money by purchasing seeds instead of starter plants, begin indoors. Many gardeners plant indoors during the months of February, March and April. Peppers, onions and tomatoes are good plants to start inside. You can use Styrofoam cups for planting, just be sure to poke holes in the bottom for the water to drain out. Plants started indoors can be kept in the basement under a florescent light. The damp air found in basements is good for growing plants. Plants should be transferred to the primary gardening area when they are 6" tall.