In the peak of lockdown in 2020, we spent a lot of time laying in our front yard. One day Ross decided to pull a shovel out of the shed and dig up a strip of grass in our front yard. We dug a few holes, and threw some seeds in. It wasn’t perfect, and I think the bunnies ate 1/3 of the crop, but it was so fun to grow something of our own.
The next year, we expanded the size of the garden and put a little more thought into ensuring a successful harvest. We got a small fence to keep the bunnies out and started composting food waste.
In 2022 and 2023, Ross did most of the work when I was spending a lot of time in bed. The garden got a bit taken over with weeds, but not without yielding more cherry tomatoes than you could ever imagine.
In 2024, we had the most successful garden yet (ft. cucumbers, 2 types of tomatoes, green beans, spaghetti squash, bell peppers, jalapeños, wild flowers, and pumpkins) all grown without chemicals.
This year, we are on top of things and have already started planning, and you should too! Now that these last few days have given us a taste of Spring, what better time than to work on preparing your garden. I have made a commitment to myself to buy organic high quality food as much as possible. I think it is just as important to learn to grow your own organic food, free from chemicals.
Tending to a garden not only grounds you to the Earth, reducing anxiety and stress, but it ensures you know where your food came from. It’s also incredibly rewarding to cook with what you grew! With just a little planning and effort, you can grow fresh, nutrient-rich produce right in your back (or front) yard.
Follow these simple steps below to get started on your garden today:
Step 1: Choose & Prepare Your Garden Space
The first step is selecting the right spot for your garden. It’s imperative to do this before you buy seeds so you know how much space you are working with.
- Pick a flat, sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Clear the area of weeds, rocks, and debris to create a clean planting space.
- Till the soil to improve drainage and make it easier for roots to grow.
- Set aside space for flowers, to support the bee population and ensure successful pollination of your crops.
- If you already have a garden setup, ensure you clear everything out and till the soil to make way for new crops.
- If you opt for a raised bed, it is best to ensure the soil is in the ground as soil connected to the Earth grows the most successful plants.
Step 2: Select & Germinate High-Quality Seeds
Choosing the right seeds is essential for a successful organic garden. It can be difficult to find high quality seeds in stores, which is why I recommend purchasing them online.
- Opt for heirloom or organic, non-GMO seeds to ensure a pure and natural harvest. I personally purchase from the following sources:
- Use a grow kit with a UV light to germinate seeds indoors, following the instructions on the seed packets. This helps them develop strong roots before transplanting.
- Keep seedlings warm and provide adequate moisture until they are ready for outdoor planting. You will likely need to transplant them to larger plastic cups for some time before the last frost of the season.
Step 3: Prepare the Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Do these items below just before planting.
- Enrich the soil with compost or organic soil to boost nutrients.
- Aerate the soil with a till (for a 2nd time) to allow the roots to spread easily in the soil.
- Add a layer of biodegradable garden paper, secured with metal stakes to prevent weeds all season. (Do not skip this step!)
- Add a chicken wire fence or other garden fence to keep bunnies and other animals out. (Do not skip this step!)
Step 4: Transplant Crops & Plant Your Garden
Once your seedlings are strong, it’s time to plant them in the ground.
- Wait until after the last frost to ensure your plants aren’t damaged by cold temperatures. Check the Farmer’s Almanac for local frost dates.
- Follow spacing guidelines from the seed packets to give each plant enough room to grow.
- Space your plants before digging. Then, cut back your garden paper where each plant will go and plant your baby plants deep in the ground.
- Water the plants immediately after transplanting to help them establish roots.
- Use companion planting techniques to naturally deter pests and promote growth.
Step 5: Tend to your Garden
Once the hard work is done, consistency is key.
- Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Ask a neighbor to take over when you are out of town.
- Keep an eye out for pests and mitigate with natural methods if you see any signs.
- Prune and remove dead leaves to encourage healthy growth.
- Continue adding compost or minerals (see eggshell powder below) to enrich the soil.
Leveling Up: Natural Garden Enhancements
To make your garden even healthier and more productive, consider these natural upgrades:
- Eggshell Powder: Save eggshells. Wash them and let them dry. Collect enough to blend into a powder to sprinkle in the soil for a natural calcium boost and pest control.
- Coffee Ground: Save coffee grounds and sprinkle into the soil before planting. However, only do this if you are using nontoxic coffee.
- Biodegradable Weed Control: Lay down biodegradable paper to suppress weeds without using harmful chemicals. Just be sure there is no plastic or other additives that could leech into the soil.
- Composting: Start a compost bin to recycle kitchen scraps and enrich your soil with nutrient-dense organic matter.
Starting an organic, chemical-free garden doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple steps, you can grow your own fresh, healthy produce while nurturing environment and yourself. With time, you’ll see the rewards of your efforts with homegrown food straight from your own garden!
