how easy/difficult is it to grow a veg garden? can you share tips on starting one?

in contract for a house
hopefully if all goes well, we will close 3/30.
i want to start a garden, where do i begin?
i was thinking of doing a garden box? is this better?
i really want to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, maybe arugala, and zucchini.
i figured i would start off small since this is my very first time!!
i know you can buy tomatoe plants, which is what i will do, but i figured i would do seeds for the others...

any pointers?

Re: how easy/difficult is it to grow a veg garden? can you share tips on starting one?

I'm a huge gardener, but just started veggies last year LOL. DH took over b/c I'm more for the flowers then tomatos HAHA.
But...we are planning on doing a HUGE one this year...every type we are able. If you get the seeds, start them indoors, keep them on a window sill. Once the last frost is done, you can plant them outside. DH built a box to keep them seperate from the grass and just look better...but we are moving it this year. It will be next to a fence and cement patio. We are planning on going to Lowes and just getting whatever is there... LOL. Totally not professional advice...but that's what we're doing LOL

Re: how easy/difficult is it to grow a veg garden? can you share tips on starting one?

Except for zucchinis and Summer Squash, I suggest you start with plants from the nursery. It won't be as overwhelming to start. The zucchinis and Summer squash, you will need from seeds outdoors.

Don't start indoors. It was crazy the 1st time I did it.

Mid May, start your planting outdoors.

I bought the following from seedling plants:
Tomatoes
Eggplants

I started the following from seeds:
Zucchinis
Yellow squash
Cucumber

Pit a sunny spot (6-8 hours per day of direct sun light).

For lettuce, put in a "cooler" spot.

I did "regular" gardening for a while. My grandparents had a garden. My mom had a garden.

I am reading the New Square Foot gardening book. I think this is a GREAT idea for beginners and experts. I love the concept of a "compact" garden vs an overwhelming garden.

Re: how easy/difficult is it to grow a veg garden? can you share tips on starting one?

i am dong seeds indoors as a first attempt (normally i buy full sized plants) we shall see what happens.

I normally plant in tubs but now I have a house I purchased a raised bed kit. Filling it with good nutrient rich soil/compost putting the plants in, nice sunny location. Setting the sprinklers to a timer (so you never forget to water) and fertilizing them weekly. Its pretty easy and you will find out what you can grown and can't. I never seemed to grow pumpkins, carrots, celery, turnips, etc. I am good with tomatoes, peppers, squashes, herbs, etc.

Re: how easy/difficult is it to grow a veg garden? can you share tips on starting one?

I think its easier especially as a first timer to do from plants than seeds. Go to a nursery they should have a bunch of vegetables already started. Tomatoes are pretty easy and grow well especially the cherry/baby tomatoes. I was also surprised by the string beans I grew last summer- I think that was from seed. I usually only get 1 or 2 eggplants or peppers but they are fun. tomatoes you will have sooo many :) have fun! I usually use a few wine barrel planters but have also used the ground too with fresh dirt.

I've done herbs too - smell nice, basil is great.

I have tried pumpkins too with no luck

Message edited 3/8/2011 6:33:14 PM.

Re: how easy/difficult is it to grow a veg garden? can you share tips on starting one?

Where to begin indeed! Garden boxes are great if your space is limited but ideally it's best to set aside a section of your yard for your garden. If that's not possible, here are some pointers on getting your box set up. In order to grow beautiful and healthy veggies it's essential that they have enough room and spacing to grow. At minimum your garden box should be no smaller than 5' x 10' (even that's a bit small). Use a treated wood to build it and it should be at least 2 feet deep. Be sure to locate it in a very sunny area. Fill the box with a combination of good quality top soil, peat moss and cow manure. 75% soil, 20% peat moss, 5% manure.

Here's a sample of how I would plant a 5' x 10' box:

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tomato tomato bush cucumber

zucchini

tomato tomato bush cucumber

arugala arugala arugala arugala arugala
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Be sure to water daily and feed with garden fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks