Where should I put my garden?

Select a site that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid low areas where water collects and ensure convenient access to a hose or rain barrel. Good air circulation and level ground will also promote healthy growth.

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What should I plant first?

We believe in the “quick payoff” for new gardeners. Gardening should be fun and even amazing not frustrating…especially at first. The first recommendation is fast-growing crops suited to your local climate. Lettuce, radishes, bush beans, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are excellent starter choices that build confidence and provide quick rewards. Another favorite recommendation is garlic. It’s not fast. Plant individual cloves in the late fall and watch them come up even while there are bits of snow around. Harvest in July and save some cloves to plant again the next fall.

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Should I use raised beds or plant directly in the ground?

Raised beds improve drainage, reduce soil compaction, and allow you to control soil quality. This is ideal for areas with heavy clay or poor native soil. In-ground gardens perform equally well where soil is already rich, crumbly, and well-drained.

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How big should my garden be to start?

A beginner-friendly size is no larger than 4x8 feet. Start small, focus on soil health and “quick payoff,” yummy veggies, and expand gradually as your experience and available time increase.

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Can I start vegetables from grocery store produce?

It’s possible, but results are inconsistent. Many store-bought vegetables are genetic hybrids so their seeds may not reproduce the vegetable you took them from. There are lots of internet videos that show people regrowing celery, potatoes, and other veggies from leftover bits from grocery store veggies. Plants want to grow! But, they will never give you the full sized vegetable you hope for. Store vegetables are also treated to prevent sprouting. For best results, use certified seed from reputable suppliers: local seed companies – not “big box” stores.

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How do I garden if I only have a balcony or small yard?

Container gardening is an excellent solution! Choose pots or grow bags with proper drainage and use a high-quality potting mix. Select compact or dwarf varieties of vegetables and ensure consistent watering and fertilization.