First-Time Garden Prep: Fall Tilling, Easy Crops & Organic Pest Control

Planning a first vegetable garden? Start now—in fall—to set up a low-maintenance, productive spring.

Fall Groundwork

• Till deeply to break grass roots; remove sod clumps.
• Add 2–3″ compost/aged manure and till in.
• Mulch heavily (straw, leaves, old hay) to suppress winter weeds.

Easiest Vegetables for Beginners

1. Green beans (bush): Direct-sow, 50 days, few pests.
2. Tomatoes (determinate): Buy transplants, stake, 60–70 days.
3. Zucchini: 1–2 plants feed a family.
4. Lettuce/mesclun: Cut-and-come-again, 30 days.
5. Radishes: 25 days, instant gratification.

Pesticide-Free Pest Management

• Diatomaceous earth: Dust on slugs, beetles, aphids (reapply after rain).
• Row covers: Exclude cabbage moths, flea beetles.
• Companion planting: Marigolds, nasturtiums, basil deter many insects.
• Hand-pick: Daily scout; drop pests in soapy water.

Spring Launch

Rake back mulch, sow/transplant, replace mulch. You’ll start clean and stay ahead.