On May 7, 2015

Gardening pointers for novices

Some of the most popular gardens are plots designated for cultivating herbs and vegetables. Fresh produce is a great benefit of having a home garden, allowing homeowners to exercise control over which products to use to grow robust, healthy vegetables.

Novice gardeners may not know where to begin when it comes to planting their first vegetable gardens, and can benefit by starting small. It’s easy to begin by growing plants in containers so they are more manageable and can be moved as you discover which areas of your property provide the best growing conditions.

Begin with one or two types of vegetables. Tomatoes, cucumbers and squashes are popular starters, as they are relatively hardy. Select only a few plants so you are not overwhelmed with the level of care required.

Some gardeners prefer to start plants from seeds, but this will require more time and a greater commitment with regard to maintenance and planting. When just starting out, experiment with small plants that are established and already have a good root system.

Consult with your local gardening center for suggestions such as which soil amendments to use.

(MS)

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Care tips, varieties, and growing secrets for streptocarpus

January 8, 2025
By Deborah J. Benoit Streptocarpus (Streptocarpus) is commonly known as cape primrose, but don’t confuse it with the common primrose (Primula vulgaris), a perennial plant that you may have grown outdoors at home. While the two share some physical similarities, their care requirements are quite different. The common primrose in your garden is hardy in…

Growing plants and veggies from seed

January 8, 2025
Well, the holidays are behind us and hopefully you enjoyed that special time of year. Once January rolls around, my mind gravitates toward spring and gardening. I want to forget that it’s winter. My apologies to those of you who still want to be skiing while I am tending to my daffodils! As many of…

Recycle your Christmas tree

January 2, 2025
By Debra Heleba, Extension community horticulture program director, University of Vermont If your holiday includes a live, cut Christmas tree, you may be wondering what to do with it after the festivities are over. Many towns, civic clubs, and solid waste districts across Vermont now have disposal programs in place. Most offer curbside pick-up of…

The UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Helpline provides gardening assistance online 24/7/365

December 26, 2024
By Debra Heleba, Extension Community Horticulture Program Director, University of Vermont Did you receive a poinsettia as a gift and wonder how to extend its life through the winter? Is your favorite houseplant dropping its leaves? Or are you already thinking ahead to spring and want to know when to start your seeds indoors?  The…