You can grow your own food! This guide will help you get started growing veggies and herbs, and highlight plants that are the most rewarding for new gardeners.
Like a seedling growing to maturity, learning how to garden takes time. Each season I try new herbs and vegetables, or a new method of growing. Through trial and error and by observing your garden and the space where you grow, you will learn what works well and what to try next year. As a new gardener it may feel overwheling to know where to begin. This post will walk you through a few different ways to get started.
“As a first time gardener, starting with seedlings allows you to plant directly outside once the warm weather has arrived”
Starting with Herbs
Growing fresh herbs is a great way to get started. There are so many herbs that are easy to grow and tolerant of a variety of conditions such as partial shade. It's also fairly easy to find herb seedlings at your local farmer's market or garden center. As a first time gardener, starting with seedlings allows you to plant directly outside once the warm weather has arrived.
Although growing herbs won't put much of a dent in your grocery bill, there is nothing quite like the taste of fresh herbs. They can also easily be dried or frozen in cubes with a bit of oil. Preserving them to use in the winter months, will help make the most of your gardening efforts.
A basic herb garden started from seedlings might include:
Basil
Sage
Thyme
Rosemary
Parsley
Chives
Mint
Herb seedlings can be planted directly outdoors into pots, large planters or garden beds. If you don't have outdoor space, herbs also lend themselves to indoor growing. Some herbs like basil, thyme, oregano and parsley will do well by a sunny window.
If you’re looking for a no stress way to grow herbs or greens from seed, try an all in one system like those made by Aerogarden or Click & Grow. They take very little space, and grow delicious fresh herbs fairly quickly. The systems will let you know if more water or nutrients are needed. These systems come with pods that include seed and are ready to go, though you will find they are fairly expensive. I have found that ordering bulk refill sponges and filling them with my own seed is much more cost effective and allows me to grow the varieties I am most interested in.
Vegetables from Seed
Here in Toronto (Zone 5), there are quite a few vegetables that can be planted directly in the garden in early spring once the ground has tawed. All they need is good soil, sun, and regular watering to produce.
Radishes (I like French Breakfast)
Carrots
Beats
Peas
Chard (Rainbow Chard is both tasty and ornamental)
Greens like Arugula or Mustard
When things warm up a little more and there is less risk of frost, you can plant:
Wax Beans (yellow bush beans or climbing green beans are good choices)
Lettuce
Zucchini
You can purchase seed from local garden centres in the spring or order online from local seed farmers. Each seed variety will have directions on the packet letting you know how deep and how far apart to plant each seed. There are also seed exchange programs throughout Canada, or you may have neighbours who will share seed saved from their last garden, which will help keep costs down.
Starting with Seedlings
When first starting to grow your own food, it may be worth the extra expense of buying some seedlings that have already been started for you in a greenhouse. These plants will be hardeneed off (adjusted to the outdoor climate) and should be able to tolerate being planted directly outside once all risk of frost has passed. In the Toronto area (Zone 5), this is typically mid to late May.
Plants to try that grown best from seedlings:
Tomatoes (try cherry tomatoes, or early varieties like Early Girl)
Cucumbers
Sweet or hot peppers (aim for early varieties like jalapeño)
Beginner Balcony Growing
If your gardening journey is getting started on a balcony, consider getting decent sized pots or planters. These, along with good organic potting soil will ensure that your plants have enough moisture, and that you don't have to water them constantly.
As a first time gardener, you may have the most success with:
Herbs (see above)
Lettuce
Greens including chard, mizuna & arugula
Radishes
If you're feeling adventurous and have decent sized pots and good sunlight on your balcony go ahead and try:
Cherry Tomatoes
Peas
Beans
These will require supports as they grow, especially if your balcony gets a lot of wind.
Trionfo Violetto Pole Beans & Morning Glories Climbing Up Repurposed Christmas Tree Trunk
No matter which way you go about startring your first garden, don't put too much pressure on yourself to get it right the first time. When it comes to plants and nature, there are a lot of variables and part of the joy of gardening is the process. There will be successes and disappointments but there will also be a lot of learning, and hopefully some joy from having slowed down and experienced the beauty of growing something yourself.
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