Newbie's Guide to Starting a Garden...with FREE Printable

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If you've been reading this blog for a while, you may remember my year long commitment to growing a garden.  ...

By no means have I moved from novice to expert in that time, but I have got down a basic understanding behind the steps to getting started. 

The idea of starting a garden can be overwhelming, but I have found only two resources are really necessary...

1. A copy of All New Square Foot Gardening
2. Farmer's Almanac (real or online)

Now for the plan...

 

1. Read the book.
2. Decide what you want to plant. 
   Don't get crazy here...start by making a list of what you already eat and maybe one new veggie.  Let the kiddos help pick, as well.  Flowers are a great addition to your vegetable garden, as well.  They're not just beautiful, but they serve a purpose in many cases, as well.  Did you know marigolds will keep the bugs off your strawberries?  Here's some more ideas like that from Burpee.
3. Plan
   This is where the Farmer's Almanac comes in.  You can search by your zip code and it will show the best dates for planting seeds as well as the best dates for transplant.
   
   PRINT THIS to help :)
4. Layout blueprint
   You don't have to be an artist to do a quick sketch of your backyard.  The goal of this is to simply see where you're putting things.  Also, remember to plot out your garden squares as the book shows.
5. Buy supplies
   This includes what's needed to make the beds, your seeds and/or plants, and the small amount of tools required (gloves, shovel, pencil, scissors)
6. Build beds
   If you are not handy with a drill, maybe you could enlist the help of a hottie, like I did

   

   Sorry, ladies, he's taken ;)

7. Plant
   Time to get your hands dirty!  Follow the book's instructions for how many plants/seeds per square.  This is a perfect time to get the kids involved :).
8. Plug in to your routine
   When will you tend to your garden?  I touch base with mine in the morning and early evenings.  It's important to schedule this time just as you would any other chore or else it can easily be neglected.

Are you planning a garden this year?