If you are looking to start a garden from scratch, there are a few things you need to take into consideration for best success.
Too often I see people putting in time, money and effort for a large vegetable and fruit garden and end up disappointed because it just doesn’t grow or produce like you expected.
I’ve been there too. There are key things that every garden needs for it to thrive.
Even in perfect circumstances you will still make mistakes and grow through them. But if you follow the tips in this article, you will have a higher chance of success.
5 Must Haves When Starting a Garden From Scratch
Starting your garden off on the right foot (so to speak) will give you the best chance of success. Picking the right location is crucial.
Sunlight
Most plants need sunlight to grow.
With the exception of shade loving plants, vegetables in general need sunlight to grow. This is one of the biggest mistakes I see beginner gardeners.
You cannot expect a successful garden if you make you garden in the shade.
Cool plants such as broccoli and cauliflower might do well there, but the rest will not. Shady places use less water, which is a good thing until you live in a wet climate.
Than the ground stays too wet and will cause growing issues.
Look for a place that gets at least 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Don’t plant your garden too close to large trees, as the trees will take away moisture and nutrients needed for your garden to grow.
If you are planting next to a tree line, make sure your garden gets morning light as well as south sun (if you live in the Northern Hemisphere).
Evening shade is not as detrimental as morning shade. The morning sun will help your plants thrive.
Healthy Soil
Bad soil? Don’t be afraid of building your garden on an area that has poor soil. Just be prepared to grow healthy soil. This will take but is entirely possible.
When you become a gardener, you become a soil grower.
Grow healthy soil by using soil health building practices such as cover crops, adding compost and manure, and using mulches (in certain conditions).
If you have access to high quality compost, you can plant a garden in any soil. Layer a thick layer of compost on top of your poor soil, and plant the seeds.
If your soil is rich, you have an edge to the game.
Choose a spot that has good drainage.
A waterlogged spot that holds water in the Spring, or whenever you get a lot of rain, will cause unwanted issues such as fungi growth and rotting plants.
We had an experience with this when we planted our strawberry patch.
It was in a lower spot on our acreage, but strawberries like water, right?
They do, but not standing water.
That Spring we had a flood on our homestead, and there was water standing over our strawberry field for over a week. It took a long time to dry out.
Our plants got infected with a fungi, and we were not able to win.
So when choosing a garden plot, choose an area with good drainage.
The Right Plants for Your Zone
Another mistake to avoid is planting the wring varieties. As a beginner gardener, it’s important to ask around the local gardening community for recommendations.
You will have a hard time growing plants that are suitable for Zone 8 when you are in Zone 4 or 5.
There are a lot of options, even for Zones 2 and 3, you just need to be aware of what to plant.
There comes a time for experimentation. I’ve managed to grow grapes in Zone 2, and am attempting blackberries in Zone 3 this year.
But when starting a garden from scratch, stick with what you know can grow.
Water Source
In most climates, you will need to water your garden occasionally.
Take into consideration how far you will need to run water hoses, or how you intend to water your plants.
Even in our wet climate, we still get weeks of hot weather where our garden needs to be watered.
Because of the need for sunlight, our garden is a ways off from the house and nearest water source.
We use small water tanks that we fill and place by the garden in a stand. This makes watering a lot easier.
Weed Control
Planting in the right location, healthy soil, and the right varieties are all very important for a successful garden.
However, you cannot overlook weed control.
Weeds will take away nutrients from young plants. It is important to lessen the competition for them, so some form of weed control is a must.
Once you plant your garden, weeds will come up alongside your plants.
It is ok to wait 2 weeks, or until the plants at 2 inches tall, but then you need to start weeding.
I try weeding weekly, or biweekly, the entire garden. It takes time but the harvest will reward you for your effort.
There are weed reducing practices such as tilling or using mulches to reduce weed pressure.
Each has its benefit, but weeding must be done. It will make a difference in the end yield.
Weeds aren’t a bad thing, because where weeds can’t grow, other plants can’t grow well either. You can reduce weed pressure by using cover crops, and hoeing by hand.
There are several different weed management practices. Weeds tell you something about the soil, and can unlock secrets.
I don’t recommend using chemicals in your garden for weed control. There are some weeds that are hard to get rid of, but perseverance wins.
Choosing the right location, building soil health, planting the right varieties are all very helpful when you are starting a garden from scratch on your homestead.
Choose a location that gets lots of sunshine, and has good drainage.
Choose seed varieties that grow well in your growing season, and make sure to stay on top of weeds for a successful garden.
Gardening is an ever learning experience.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, but also do what you know works. Talk to experienced gardeners in your area for tips as well. Gardening for beginners is possible and fun.
