How to Get Started on Your Veggie Garden

Spring is in the air and there’s no time like the present to get started on your veggie garden! Whether you’ve got a green thumb and have been planting for years or you’re a newbie trying to enjoy more outdoor time and fresh, healthy produce, we’ve got tips to help you make the most of the planting season.

1. Choose the right spot - This is a critical step as your garden needs good drainage and plenty of sunlight (eight hours a day) to be successful. This in-depth guide from the University of Kentucky also recommends choosing a site with southern or southeastern exposure, when possible. It’s also chock full of other tips to help you through preparation, planting and harvesting.
2. Choose the right crops - After you prepare your site, it’s vital to pick crops that grow well in your area. According to Kentucky Living, vegetables like peas, bush beans, rhubarb, squash, lettuce, onions, garlic, potatoes, cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes are among the easiest to grow.
3. Choose what you’ll eat - If you have picky eaters in the family or a personal aversion to a certain veggie, take that into consideration before planting a crop. There’s nothing worse than having a bountiful harvest of something that no one really enjoys eating.
4. Make it a family affair – Encourage children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors to work with you in the garden and share in the bounty once harvest time comes. It’s a great way to work in more physical activity while enjoying quality time outdoors with those you love.

At Abound, we love to share helpful ideas, so please let us know if you have any yummy recipes to make use of all the veggies we’ll be growing this year or gardening tips! Follow us on social media and comment on this and other blogs to share the wealth with all our Members and neighbors.