Vegetable Gardening Basics for Beginners

Vegetable Gardening Basics for Beginners

Start small: 10 or fewer vegetables, 1–2 flower beds. Easy crops: lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, beets, radishes, carrots. Interplant flowers (marigolds, sunflowers) for pollinators.

Core Practices

1. Soil: Amend with compost, manure, peat; target pH 7.0.
2. Layout: Square foot gardening maximizes space, reduces maintenance.
3. Water: 1 inch/week, deep, not daily.
4. Fertilize: Balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks.
5. Pests: Row covers early; organic controls (pyrethrum, rotenone, BT).
6. Harvest: Pick young for best flavor.

Use resources: Aggie Horticulture, Square Foot Gardening, Clemson Extension.