Here’s a guide on how to start and maintain a simple garden filled with fruits and vegetables you'll love to eat!

 1. Select the Right Location

•    Find a spot in your yard that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure it's easily accessible for watering and maintenance.

2. Plan Your Garden Layout

•    Create a layout plan on paper, considering the space each plant will need. Group plants with similar sunlight and water needs together.

3. Prepare the Soil

•    Clear the area of weeds, grass, and debris. Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil. This helps aerate it and prepares it for planting.

4. Enrich the Soil

•    Incorporate animal manure (or purchased compost) into the soil. This enriches it with nutrients and improves its structure. (Refer to the sustainability tab for guidance on using your own animal manure.)

5. Test Your Soil

•     Consider conducting a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. This will guide you in making necessary amendments for optimal growing conditions.

6. Choose Your Plants

•    Select a mix of fruits and vegetables you enjoy eating. Having a variety ensures a diverse nutrient intake and supports beneficial insects.

7. Purchase Seeds or Starts

•     Decide whether to grow from seeds or use young plants (starts) from your local nursery. Using starts can help you get a jump on the growing season.

8. Timing Your Planting

•    Check local planting calendars for the best times to sow seeds or transplant starts. Timing is crucial to avoid frost and ensure healthy growth.

9. Planting Techniques

•  For seeds, follow the depth instructions on the seed packets. For starts, dig a hole that accommodates the root ball, place the plant inside, and backfill with soil.

10. Watering Practices

• Water your garden thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth, which is vital for accessing water and nutrients, enhancing plant resilience and stability. Early morning is the best time to water, reducing evaporation.

11. Apply Mulch

• Add a layer of organic mulch around your plants. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

 12. Monitor for Pests and Diseases

• Regularly inspect your garden for pests or signs of disease. Use organic pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or using natural sprays.

13. Fertilize Appropriately

•  Provide your plants with organic fertilizers as needed. Pay attention to the growth stages of your plants to determine the right timing and type of fertilizer.

14. Harvest Wisely

• Harvest fruits and vegetables when they are ripe for the best flavor and nutrition. Regular harvesting encourages more production and prevents overripening.

15. Reflect and Plan for Next Season

• Take notes throughout the gardening season on what worked well and what didn’t. Use this information to improve your garden for the next year.

By following these steps, you can create a successful garden filled with delicious fruits and vegetables that you’ll enjoy throughout the growing season!