Nothing is better than the taste of fresh homegrown vegetables straight from your own backyard veggie garden. While most people plant summer gardens, it is possible to plant your favorite vegetables in the spring if you follow some trusted precautions.
Keep reading to learn 7 easy tips on how to start a spring vegetable garden at home!
“A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week." – George S. Patton
1. Determine Your Vegetable Garden Layout Design
First, determine where you want to create your vegetable garden. Plan the garden's layout design before preparing or planting your personal garden. Consider a raised vegetable garden for ease of access to plants that is also easier on the back.
Tip: There are countless garden design books and articles online for specific planting arrangements to ensure compatibility of plants growing side-by-side.
2. Research Which Vegetables to Plant in Spring in Your Area
Check the Farmer's Almanac or other gardening guide to determine which vegetables can be planted in the Spring in your specific growing region. Your area's growing zone can quickly be found online by typing in your geographical location and/or zip code. Your local garden center is also a good resource for this type of gardening advice.
3. Invest in Top-Quality Seeds from a Trusted Source
It is easy to find discounted seeds online or in stores that carry gardening supplies. However, it is wise to invest in top-quality seeds from a trusted source for best end results. There are even organic seeds that can be bought through online or mail seed order catalogues, and these will offer the best benefits for your family.
4. Consider Growing Your Own Seedlings Indoors or from a Garden Center
Consider growing your own seedlings by starting them indoors then moving them outside later after the last expected freeze or frost of the year in your county. These seedlings can be planted in shallow containers or larger pots depending on your preference.
These supplies are relatively inexpensive and can be made from any container filled with potting soil. You will need light from a window or sun-porch. You can also purchase already planted seedlings from a nearby garden center or local nursery.
5. Prepare Soil for Planting
Well before your expected planting date, begin to prepare the soil or ground where your vegetables will be planted. Some gardeners prefer to plant their vegetables in container pots that can be moved around when desired. This option is a terrific idea for those who have limited yard space or where the weather is often too hot or too cold for tender new plants.
If using a traditional garden plot, you will need to properly till and weed the ground beforehand. Ensure that the soil is rich with the nutrients needed for young plants to grow. This can be done by using fertilizers. Many gardening enthusiasts prefer to use their own homemade compost, or specific fertilizers can be bought wherever gardening supplies are sold.
Be sure to plant your garden in a sunny area where the drainage is good for best end results. Most gardeners like to use new topsoil as the first layer either in an outdoor ground garden plot or in containers.
6. Watch Weather Forecast & Bring Plants Outdoors to Prepared Garden
Most spring veggies will grow best if they are planted after the last freeze or frost of the year. It is also beneficial to wait until the temperature is consistently above 55 degrees, or you will have to move the plants indoors or cover with protective materials to ensure that they won't be damaged in particularly cold days.
7. Water Plants & Fertilize as Directed
After your vegetable plants are planted safely in the ground or planting containers, it is important to keep them watered and fertilized throughout the growing season on a regular basis. A rule of thumb is not to allow the ground/soil to get overly dry or too moist and soaked that can be just as harmful to your tender plants.
If your garden is in an area that gets both sun and rainfall on a regular basis, you will just need to monitor each plant and add water if it appears that they are not getting enough rainfall. Making the ground too wet can spark molds and mildews that can rot the plants, so always check the soil near the bottom of the plants.
Be on the lookout for insects that are known to destroy garden vegetables. Since your veggies are intended to be eaten, many gardeners prefer to use safe, homemade natural insect repellents that are not harmful to people or pets.
Final Thoughts
It may be a good idea to fence in your veggie garden if nearby wildlife and/or garden pests are likely to get at your garden plants. After all the work is done, sit back and enjoy your garden's delicious harvest.
Need some help to take care of your lawn or to decide on your garden layout? Contact a local landscaping company and request a free quote!
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