1. Decide what you'd like to grow in your garden. If you won't eat the crop, don't grow it in your vegetable garden. Focus on fruits, vegetables and herbs that your family enjoys most. Some times less is better.
2. Choose a location to start your garden. Most fruits and vegetables need full sun, with a minimum of five hours of direct sunlight per day. Think about how you will access the garden for picking, watering and caring for your plants.
3. Plan your garden beds. Raised beds are attractive and make it easier for you to work in the garden. Beds should be 3 to 4 feet across. Start small, and make sure to give each plant enough room to grow.
4. Invest in the basic garden tools. Basic gardening equipment: Garden hoe; Dirt rake; Garden shovel; hand tools. Keep tools clean and sharp.
5. Build your soil. Most plants prefer a deep, well drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter.
6. Choose the right seeds or transplants.
7. Plant with care. Plant seeds roughly 3 times as deep as the diameter of the seed. Wait until danger of frost is past.
8. Nurture your garden. Nab weeds when theyre small. Rule of thumb for watering is that plants need around one inch of water per week during growing season.
9. Enjoy your harvest. Flavor is typically at a peak when the morning dew has cleared, but before the afternoon heat has settled in.
Gardening is good for your health. It can fight depression, reduce stress and improve your diet.