nickelharvest

First Garden checklist

15 steps to a first food garden that saves more than it costs.

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Plan

Before you buy anything.

  • Find a spot with six or more hours of sun Guide
  • Look up your last spring frost date Guide
  • Choose three to five best-value crops you'll eat Guide
  • Set a small starting budget Guide

Prepare

Free and cheap first.

  • Gather free containers, seeds and mulch Guide
  • Sort out soil or potting mix Guide
  • Start a compost pile or bin Guide
  • Decide seeds or transplants for each crop Guide

Grow

A few minutes a day.

  • Set up a watering routine and mulch Guide
  • Check plants for pests every few days Guide
  • Sow quick crops again every few weeks Guide

Harvest

And make it count.

  • Pick often, at the right size Guide
  • Weigh and tally your harvest against store prices Guide
  • Freeze or safely preserve the extra Guide
  • Share or donate what you can't use Guide