i want to start a garden but dont know how?

To start a garden...

First... decide where you want it... Starting a small bed is definitely preferable to bringing in a tiller to till the entire yard, and then giving up...

I once had a GF that tried the tiller approach... before meeting me... didn't work...

You gotta dig the turf out!

http://stonethegardener.com/sun/start.html

After digging out the turf, and tilling the soil underneath... gardening should be no problem... That turf, and that compacted soil under the turf... is the most difficult part of starting a garden.

I'm not sure what you are asking in regards to the best soil...

We are usually stuck with whatever soil we have in our yard.

The best soil would probably be that deep soil in the midwest... Around here, there's a red clay/sand that seems to be ideal for gardening in, and the only way that I ever get to garden in it is when I'm putting in a garden for someone else :(

Me... I'm stuck gardening in white sand... Which is some poor gardening.

http://gardens-in-the-sand.blogspot.com/

Hi Olivea,

Here is a GREAT series of articles on garden soil, what your veggies need and keeping your soil healthy. It may seem like a lot of information, but it is valuable information and will make your gardening experience a good one. Also, start small. One mistake a lot of novice gardeners make is growing too much too soon and being overwhelmed with the amount of work it can take. Grow a few family favorites this year, and then expand your garden a little each year:)

You may also want to look into doing a raised garden rather than putting one right in the ground. Many people who need a lot of soil amendments to make their garden grow will turn to doing a raised bed where they have more control over the soil. Raised beds will usually need more water though and will need to be fed well.

Whatever you decide...have fun! The garden can be a haven ( love my early morning garden stroll w/my cup of coffee and the song birds :) and it can also be a great way to spend quality time with the family. Enjoy!

Start small. Pick two or three plants you would like to grow. Learn if they need shade or sun. Ask about how often they would need water.

Go to your local garden center and see what is there. They should have plants that do well in your area. Ask them about things that are easy to grow. You should at least be able to tell them if you want to grow vegetables, or flowers, or a tree or shrub, and if you have a lot of sun where your garden will be, or not so much. They can help you pick something appropriate.

Starting a garden is not a difficult task if only you know the basic needs of plants. Most of people start planting garden with lot of plants and end up killing them because of not knowing the basic needs of plant. Start with few plants which can grow easily. Before you start choose a site where plants can get enough sunlight, and make sure the soil should be good, loamy, well-drained enriched with compost.

Measure it correctly, then put it down to scale on a paper plan.

Add what you need in the way of hard elements, paths , water supply, seating areas ,washing lines water features , lighting,fencing etc.

Play around with it until you have a design that you are happy with.

Learn about gardening through books , magazines and visiting gardens.

Now, work out your budget and do it step by step. No rush.

There is basically one problem that is ignored by many new gardeners---- the need to weed. Weeds will over-run your garden and reduce the production of your plants. Personally, I have a big garden and use a gasoline powered roto tiller to keep 'em out. I used to pull them out by hand, but it took too much time. A hoe will work, too.

Get organic non-gmo seeds. The easiest crops to grow are often perennials(perennial=it doesn't die in the winter) such as mint and chives. Other perennials include rhubarb, asparagus, sun chokes, runner beans, plus many more. Search perennial vegetables/crops for your zone.

http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/#

Other easy crops to grow are herbs, leafy greens, root vegetables, and beans.

The seed package should tell you what to do and when to plant.

Herbs, leafy greens, root vegetables, and beans could also be planted in partial sun spots and probably do ok although probably do better in full sun. Other crops should be in the sunniest area.

Make soil bed rows about 4foot wide(or so you can easily reach the center) with 1 foot wide walking path between. Make soil bed rows 2 foot wide if against a wall or fence.

Dig soil about 3 foot deep and as wide as the plants will get, to loosen soil, this helps the roots grow. If soil is hard and clayey mix in good quality potting mix.

Add an inch of nutrient rich compost on top and mix in the whole loosened area.

Consider also adding beneficial bacteria, fungi, minerals/nutrients, and red wiggler worms.

Don't step on loosen soil.

Plant a variety/mix of different crops next to each other.

Use rain water for irrigation. Keep sticks and leaves out of rain barrel.

Water soil before and after planting.

Keep seeds and sprouts under about 2weeks-1month old moist. Then it's recommended to water deeply(soak so the water gets deep into the soil) and infrequently(wait in between watering let the top of the soil dry) to try to encourage roots to grow deeper so it doesn't have to be watered as much.

Water at dawn. Water an inch past the furthest branch/root, not just by the stem. Don't water the top part of the plant, only water the soil/roots.

Consider plastic tube drip irrigation with solar powered automatic timer and rain sensor.

keeping soil covered with mulch, chopped dead/fallen leaves, untreated organic non-toxic non-moldy wood chips, not walnut wood because its toxic to some plants), hay, dead grass, moss, or low-growing ground cover/cover crop(ex:herniaria glabra green carpet rupturewort) helps keep moisture in soil, and help prevent weeds.

dont put mulch against the trunk, it damages the plant.