Making Your First Garden

By Aileen Marquez
Board Member

1. Consider What You Want to Plant

Do you want to plant a vegetable garden? An herb garden? A flower garden? If you choose vegetables and herbs, plant ones your family will eat so they don't go to waste! If you want flowers, decide whether you want annuals that bloom most of the summer but need to be replanted each spring or perennials that have a shorter bloom time but return year after year. Make sure you find out the best time to plant your seeds and bulbs, since it may surprise you!

 Here's a tip: Start small.

2. Pick the Best Spot

Almost all vegetables and many flowering plants need 6-8 hours of full sun each day. So, you need to observe your yard throughout the day to figure out which spots receive full sun versus partial sun or complete shade. Don't worry if your yard is primarily shady: many plants will do just fine.

Here's a tip: Check plant tags or ask the staff at your local garden center to help you understand how much sun a plant needs.

3. Clear the Ground

Get rid of weeds and sod in the area you plan to plant. It's recommended that you do the lasagna method and spread a 3-inch layer of compost and a combination of potting soil and topsoil on the newspaper and wait. It'll take about four months for the compost and paper to decompose. But, if you start in the fall, you'll have a bed ready to plant with no grass or weeds and plenty of rich soil by spring.

4. Prepare Your Planting Beds

Loosening the soil in new beds before sowing or planting helps roots grow more quickly and access the water and nutrients they need. There are two methods: tilling with a mechanical device, such as a rototiller, or digging by hand. However, digging is more practical for preparing small beds. Once you choose a method, gently turn the top 6-8 inches of soil, mixing in the organic matter from Step 3 at the same time.

6. Pick Your Plants

Some people pore over catalogs for months; others head to the garden center and buy what wows them. Either method works as long as you choose plants adapted to your climate, soil, and sunlight. You can even surf the Internet for plants to purchase. 

7. Start Planting

Many annuals are easy to grow from seeds sown directly in the garden.

Here's a tip: Be sure to read the seed packet about planting time, depth, and spacing.

8. Water at the Right Time

Seedlings should never be allowed to dry out, so water daily. How often you need to water will depend on your soil, humidity, and rainfall, though once a week is an excellent place to start.

Here's a tip: feel the soil 3-4 inches below the surface. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Water slowly and deeply, so the water soaks in instead of running off.

9. Protect Your Garden With Mulch

To help keep weeds out and moisture in, cover the soil with a couple of inches of mulch. You won't have to water as often, and by preventing sunlight from hitting the dirt, you'll prevent weed seeds from germinating.

10. Maintain Your Garden Regularly

As your garden begins to grow, help it reach its full potential by keeping up with garden chores. Add them to your calendar so you don’t forget!