Start a Small Home Vegetable Garden: Location, Bed Type & Easy Crops

A small vegetable garden fits any yard—and any schedule. Three decisions launch you successfully.

1. Location: Sun Is King

5–6+ hours direct sun. South/west side of structures. Observe for a full day. Near water source. Level, well-drained.

2. Bed Type: Raised vs. In-Ground

Raised (recommended for beginners): control soil, fewer weeds, earlier warming, back-friendly, defined space. 4×8 ft, 10–12" high. Fill: 50% compost, 50% topsoil/coir.
In-ground: cheaper start, more space. Double-dig, amend heavily. More weeds, later start.

3. Crops: Start Easy, Expand Later

Foolproof: radishes, lettuce, bush beans, zucchini, cherry tomatoes (transplants), herbs.
Wait on: corn (space), melons (heat), brassicas (pests), onions (long season).

Routine: 10 Minutes Daily

Water if dry. Weed if visible. Harvest if ready. Scout pests. That's it. Consistency > heroics.

Year one: learn. Year two: expand. Year three: mentor.