Vegetable gardening is nutritious in both body and mind. It’s exciting to watch a little seed turn into a sprout, then into a small plant, and eventually, into a big ole squash plant that’s bursting with bright yellow gourds and giant green leaves. Digging your hands into cool soil is meditative. Smelling the basil and dill is heavenly. And you don’t have to live on a country estate to grow your own food at home, either.
City dwellers can plant vegetables in patio container gardens. In cold climates, you can start a small garden indoors or even grow vegetables outdoors most of the year if you have a greenhouse.
When it comes to planning a backyard vegetable garden, ideas are easy to come by. There are plenty of pictures of elaborate gardens with rows of sun-ripened tomatoes, entire sections devoted solely to peas, raised beds for root vegetables, and, of course, a fountain and seating area. We don’t all have gigantic yards, though. As nice as it would be to have row after row of heirloom tomatoes and cucumbers, it’s just not realistic when your backyard garden is a two-foot by four-foot rectangle between your driveway and the foundation of your house.
The thing is, you can create a really nice garden in that small rectangle of space. It’s a simple matter of timing, design, and plant selection. But if you have a large backyard, even better!
In the articles below, we dive into everything you need to know about vegetable gardening. You can learn even more in our How to Grow a Vegetable Garden: 10 Things Every Gardener Needs to Know Before Starting a Food Garden freebie. Enjoy!
It’s no secret that fresh vegetables are good for you. It’s also no secret that many of us don’t have enough fresh veggies in our diets. I could leave it at that and just say that the best summer vegetables to grow are whichever ones you’ll eat. But then this would be a really short post, and it wouldn’t be much help for people who are trying to reduce their sugar intake and eat more low carb or keto.
It’s spicy, salty, sweet, and savory. It’s delicious on pizza, noodles, eggs, and even ice cream. It’s none other than spicy chili crisp. And now you can grow your very own chili crisp recipe garden! What’s better than fresh hot peppers from your backyard? As with many spice blends and condiments like this, there are […]
You’re moving! That new home is just what you wanted. It’s the perfect size, there’s an extra half bath, and the kitchen is a dream! And … you’re leaving behind your lovingly tended garden. Fear not! Let’s look at how to move a garden! First, though, let’s clear the air. I know what you’re thinking. […]
I firmly believe that there is a section of heaven piled high with end-of-summer beefsteak tomatoes and a shaker of salt. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. But what is the best beefsteak tomato variety to plant? The answer may have just become a bit simpler!
You’ve heard of a fairy garden, an octopus’s garden (in the shade!), and hanging gardens. Now it’s time to add a valentine garden to the mix. What’s more romantic than a bouquet of beets? Nothing against a box of chocolates, but fresh fruits and vegetables are the way to the heart, if you ask me. […]
Editor’s note: This list of the best sweet peppers to grow in your garden is updated annually, based on ratings from the Burpee website. Since last year, we’ve made some updates to reflect changes in ratings and reviews. Some peppers have moved up in the ratings, some have moved down, and a few are holding steady. […]
In the early days of my gardening, I thought that winter garden tasks were pretty limited. Rake up the dead plants, mix some compost into the soil, and then hibernate with a mug of hot chocolate for the next few months. As it turns out, there are quite a few things to do in the […]
So, you want to garden in the winter? Okay! While you might not get those gorgeous eggplants or crunchy cucumbers, you can still keep your hands in the dirt, so to speak. Just be sure to pay attention to the do’s and don’ts of gardening in the winter months. First, though, I have to share […]
The idea of making a New Year’s resolution is enticing. Of course, we all know it’s just another day, but it also feels like a chance to reset and rethink our approach to life. Or, in our cases, it’s a chance to renew our hopes for our gardens. Hence, a list of some New Year’s […]
There’s something magical about a balcony garden. I don’t know if it’s the act of bringing nature into such an unlikely environment or if it’s the confidence that seems to come with growing vegetables two, three, or more stories off the ground, but I just adore them. I did discover a secret about these gardens, although it hasn’t taken away the joy of them. If you plan it right, and use the easiest vegetables to grow on a balcony, success is all but guaranteed.
