The global pandemic, recent financial crisis, and even the Russian invasion of Ukraine, are all helping to convince people that they need to be more self-sufficient. As a result, more people than ever are trying their hand at vegetable gardening. However, if you don’t have any experience with this, it can be difficult to know where to start or to make a success of it.
The following 5 tips will help you get it right.
- Get the Right Tools
Vegetable gardening doesn’t require a huge number of tools. You will need a spade, fork, wheelbarrow, and a means of watering your vegetable garden. It can also be a good idea to invest in some rock augers. The ground can be tough going when you have to dig everything by hand.nThe right tools make the entire job easier and, taking the time to get them all ready before you start, means you won’t be making problems for yourself.
- Start Small
If you’re new to vegetable gardening then you may have underestimated the amount of work involved. Even, if you haven’t you may simply not enjoy doing it. To help avoid making a big mistake or unnecessary work, the best approach is to start small. Ideally, create a raised bed that is 4’ x 4’ or perhaps 4’ x 8’. These are good sizes for beginners, allowing you to try growing crops.
You can always increase the size of the beds in the future or switch to larger areas of ground. Keeping it small makes it more manageable and going for a raised bed reduces issues with weeds and pests.
- Grow What You Like
When you first start growing vegetables you are most likely going to eat the vegetables yourself, selling excess crops is a secondary process and one that most first-time vegetable gardeners are not yet ready for. That means you need to find out which vegetables grow well in your region. Choosing plants that like the temperature and climate in your area will make it easier to grow them.
Alongside this, you should think about what vegetables you actually like eating. It’s important to grow something you’ll enjoy. This will help you to judge how successful your vegetable garden has really been.
- Ask Others
When starting you should ask for help. Speak to other people with vegetable gardens and even those with small holdings. They have all been where you are and can offer helpful advice. It’s up to you whether you listen to the advice or not. But, there is no harm in listening, especially if it comes to planting distances or what pests to pay particular attention to.
- Create Paths
Don’t forget, vegetable gardens need looking after throughout the year and you’ll want to access them as easily as possible, regardless of the weather. Before you start planting, make sure you have good paths around your garden. You will appreciate the easy access.
