There’s nothing quite like growing your own vegetables—fresh air, sunshine, a little exercise, and the ultimate reward: homegrown, delicious food! If you’re new to vegetable gardening, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Follow these five simple steps to start your own thriving veggie patch.

Step 1: Pick the Perfect Spot

Location is everything! Choose a spot that gets full sun (at least 6–8 hours a day), has well-draining soil, and is relatively flat. Bonus points if it’s near a water source—you’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to water

Step 2: Decide on Your Garden Size

How big should your vegetable garden be? That depends on how much time you have and how many mouths you’re feeding. If you’re a beginner, start small—you can always expand next season. A manageable space will help you learn without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 3: Prep the Soil for Success

Healthy soil = happy plants! Here’s how to set up a nutrient-rich foundation:

• Remove grass or weeds from your chosen area.

• Mix in at least 4 inches of compost to boost nutrients.

• Sprinkle in an organic vegetable fertilizer and rake it into the soil.

• Level the ground, and you’re ready to plant!

Step 4: Choose & Plant Your Vegetables

Now comes the fun part—choosing what to grow! Pick veggies you love to eat and keep it simple, especially if this is your first garden.

🌱 Cool-season crops (plant after the last frost, early spring):

• Beets

• Carrots

• Lettuce

• Peas

• Radishes

• Scallions

• Spinach

  
  

🌞 Warm-season crops (plant when the soil warms up):

• Beans

• Cucumbers

• Eggplant

• Peppers

• Squash

• Tomatoes

• Zucchini

💡 Planting Tips:

• Direct seed: Beans, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, peas, radishes, carrots, and spinach go straight into the soil.

• Transplant: Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant grow best from young plants.

• Support matters: Some plants, like peas and beans, thrive with a trellis. Tomatoes and peppers need cages or stakes. Zucchini and squash can sprawl freely on the ground.

Step 5: Care for Your Garden & Enjoy the Harvest!

You’ve planted—now it’s time to nurture your veggies!✔️ Water regularly (especially during dry spells).✔️ Fertilize monthly to keep plants growing strong.✔️ Mulch to lock in moisture and keep weeds away.✔️ Monitor for pests & diseases—if you spot trouble, stop by Good News Gardening for expert advice!✔️ Harvest & enjoy! Pick your veggies when they’re ripe, and savor the fruits (or veggies) of your labor!

Get Growing with Good News Gardening!

Our first vegetable starts have arrived at Good News Gardening! Whether you’re looking for sturdy tomato plants, crisp lettuce, or flavorful herbs, we’ve got a fantastic selection ready for planting. Plus, we carry everything you need to help your garden thrive—organic fertilizers, premium soil, quality gardening tools, and expert advice from our knowledgeable staff. Stop by and let’s get your garden growing! 🌱✨