Gardening is an awesome way to connect with nature and grow your ingredients. Here are 20 tips to improve your vegetable garden that will help any level of gardener. You'll have squash growing out of your ears in no time!
1. Shop from a local nursery
Local garden centers are a better choice because the workers are experienced gardeners who have a lot of expertise. They can advise on how to best grow vegetables based on your area.
2. Look for the perfect spot
Most vegetables need around 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, so choose a spot in your garden where plants will get enough light. It will also be beneficial to have the vegetables growing in an area that is easily accessible so that you don’t forget about them.
3. Check your soil
For veggies to grow well, they need healthy soil. A helpful tip to improve your garden’s soil is to use compost and organic matter. Soil should have a pH of around 6.5-7 and be loose in texture. This is an important first step to improving your vegetable garden.
4. Water adequately
This may sound obvious, but make sure your vegetables are watered enough. One easy trick is to touch the soil and feel how wet it feels. If it feels dry, then it will need some watering. Check a bit under the top layer to see if the water is penetrating under the soil.
5. Watering tools
Some plants need a lot more watering than others. Watering cucumbers every few hours in the hot summer sun might steer you away from vegetable farming in the future. Consider different tools like soaker hoses to help you enjoy gardening more.
6. Invest in mulch
Using mulch is a great way to improve your vegetable garden. It retains water and can keep weeds under control. Mulch can be purchased, but shredded bark and leaves can also be used.
7. Use raised beds
Soil quality can depend on the area you live in. You may live somewhere the soil cannot be salvaged by mulch or fertilizer. Fortunately, you can invest in making raised beds. Sometimes, the best way to improve your vegetable garden is by creating one! Read more about raised beds here.
8. Keep it simple
If it’s your first time gardening vegetables, start small. Creating a garden from the ground up takes work and effort. You must factor in time for watering, weeding, and keeping pests away. Take it slow at first to prevent getting overwhelmed. Once you’ve gained experience, make your vegetable garden bigger.
9. Use containers and pots
What if you want to garden vegetables but live in a small space? Try container gardening! Container gardening is when you use big plant pots to grow vegetables rather than a whole garden or a raised bed. This works well with lettuce and leafy greens. Keep the pots on your patio or balcony so they receive enough sun.
Looking for a way to use leafy greens? Try my Pear and Rocket Salad recipe!
10. Grow veggies you enjoy
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The best way to improve your vegetable garden is to grow things you enjoy. Even if it’s an easy vegetable to grow, don’t grow it if you’re not going to eat it. There is nothing more satisfactory about growing vegetables than cooking a great meal with them!
11. Plant seeds and seedlings
Seeds take a long time to grow, and if you live in a colder climate, they may not grow in time for the summer warmth. Seeds can be a great option for quicker-growing crops like peas or herbs. But starting with a seedling will be a better option for vegetables that take longer to grow (e.g., tomatoes).
12. Watch out for pests
Humans aren’t the only creatures who enjoy the taste of veggies. Look out for yellowing leaves, wilted plants, and large groups of bugs. Use natural pest control methods for the best results, as pesticides can harm pollinators.
13. Cross-pollinate
One of the most harmful things you can do to soil is only plant one crop. It’s best to mix certain plants to get the best vegetables possible. One tip to improve your vegetable garden is to plant flowers among them. Flowers like marigolds and zinnias can attract pollinators to the vegetables while distracting pests.
14. Check the varieties
Each vegetable has different varieties which require different growing environments. Research the type you’ve purchased to understand what suits them best. To understand more about vegetable varieties, read this guide on tomato varieties.
15. Don’t plant all at once
Vegetables grow seasonally. Not all veggies should be grown at the same time. Some grow better during the summer months, while others enjoy the cold winter. Here is a list of when to grow certain plants to have the best vegetable garden year-round.
16. Weed often
Weeds are a plant’s worst competition. They take nutrients and water that other plants in the garden need. Use mulch to prevent weeds from growing, and pluck them out quickly when you see them.
17. Animal control
Rabbits are adorable little animals, but they also love to eat everything in the garden. Use fencing and natural repellants to keep rabbits and deer from eating all of your vegetables.
18. Year-round care
To improve your vegetable garden, take care of it all year instead of just in spring. People tend to focus on the garden during the spring and summer months, but don’t forget to take care of the garden during the cooler months. This will help maintain healthier soil for the plants year-round.
19. Use online tools to help
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has digital planning tools to help plan your garden’s layout. Draw out the plan, drop in your vegetables of choice, and then the tool will tell you how much spacing each crop will need. It’s a great way to skip all the guessing and prevent overcrowding of plants.
20. Research!
Each vegetable has different needs. Before buying a lot of crops to grow, make a short list of vegetables you want to grow and see what is needed for each. Talk with gardener friends or gardening experts at a local nursery for more information.
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