Need first garden advice

[melrose7]

I've decided that we are going to a plant a garden this year. I've never grown anything and have no idea how to get started. We are in a new house this year and they had a garden but probably not for a couple years. So we have a decent size space for it I just don't know how to get started and what gets planted next to what. I live in the Midwest so I know it will be while before I can plant most. Both my parents and my inlaws are good gardeners but that just wanted passed down to us. My dad is ready to give me seeds and is starting some of his in the basement soon. I want to grow, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, strawberries. I think that's all. And some herbs too.

[icunurse]

First, know your zone. It won't matter a ton with most vegetables and herbs, but if you find something special, you'll want to know it. I really like the book Square Foot Gardening. It tells you how to prepare the soil, good companion plants, and how to make the most of your space. I have been following it for the past few years to great results. I personally like to grow herbs in containers near my patio door so that I have easier access to them when I'm cooking. While I start some plants from seed for fun, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. sell cheap/good-sized/common veggies and herbs. I tend to get a lot from those places and the local garden center. Finally, and I'm not sure how accurate it will be, but I went to a gardening seminar recently and was told that the last frost for the Midwest is supposed to be in mid-April, which is a month earlier than usual. So I'm keeping an open mind to that and proceeding cautiously (though some seeds like carrots and such you can plant before the last frost).

[jawilli4]

I am far from the best person who should be giving you advice, as I have an old garden languishing in my backyard. However, I wanted to give you a couple of links to a plethora of great information from Mike McGrath's You Bet Your Garden on NPR.

My biggest mistake and one that he stresses is that I did not make a raised bed and my garden was far too big. The only thing that I still adore is a 2' x 3' herb garden right by my garage. I planted sage, thyme, and oregano about six years ago and they are still going strong.

To hear Mike's hour long show on the topic of first time gardening: http://whyy.org/cms/youbetyourgarden/tips-for-first-time-gardeners/

If you would prefer to read a related article: http://www.gardensalive.com/product/First-Time-Gardener-Remember-to-Breathe

Good luck and happy gardening!

[lizzywednesday]

I suggest reaching out to your state's cooperative extension.

If your location is up-to-date, information about yours can be found here: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/

They have a wealth of resources about prepping your garden beds, testing your soil, what grows best in your region, educational resources, etc.

I often use my state's cooperative extension site (NJ's is run by Rutgers) to get information about new plants, pest threats, and other gardening tips.

If you want to include your kids, I cannot recommend the kid-scale tools and gloves here: http://www.forsmallhands.com/yard-garden/yard-and-garden-tools

[trcy]

I just started a garden last year. Make sure you pick a good location for what you want to grow. I don't think mine gets enough sunlight for my plants, so they haven't produced as much as they could have. I do like the square foot garden method. I didn't get the book, but there is a ton of info online.


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[trales]

Your local Cooperative Extension office and your conservation district will start having seminars, they will have pamphlets, they will tell you the date that you can start planting and what you can plant.

[melrose7]

Thanks. I look up those links and make sure the previous garden is in the right spot

[trcy]

Check out the dollar tree for seeds. The one near me had them, 4 packets for $1


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[mom2binsd]

Some things are easier to grow from small plants rather than seeds, ask local garden shops.

Around here you have to have some type of fence around it or the bunnies will EAT EVERYTHING.

Use good quality soil, it makes a difference, again, you local garden shop will be helpful, not a big box store.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I can't grow anything from seed. :) because I suck at gardening. :) I'm good at keeping seedlings alive because it doesn't take that long to establish them. Getting seeds to grow+ then nurturing the baby would get us no where. So, if you can't get the seeds going that your dad gives you, it's ok to buy seedlings in May.


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