Whether you want to learn a new hobby or save money on groceries, starting a vegetable garden is an excellent project. However, you may be hesitant to start, as the process can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, by following these tips, you can easily and successfully grow your own plants.

How to Grow a Garden

1. Start With the Soil

All quality produce comes from proper soil. Purchase a soil test from a garden supplies store to figure out the dirt’s pH levels and fertility. Ideally, the soil’s pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5.

If you’re starting the garden in the winter, add compost beneath a layer of mulch. The rain and melting snow coupled with natural organisms, such as earthworms, will work the compost in for you by the spring.

If you’re starting the garden in the spring or summer, work the compost or fertilizer in manually before planting.

2. Choose Your Desired Plants

It may be tempting to grow dozens of new plant varieties, but maintenance will be easier if you start small. This will help you focus better on monitoring plant health.

Start by researching the seasonal and local produce in your area. Plants are more likely to thrive when they're in season and in an environment suited to them. For example, cool-season vegetables, such as cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage, do well in Alaska when they're started indoors and moved outside in June. Warm-season vegetables, including carrots, beets, and lettuce, do better when they're planted directly outside in the summer to flourish under the extended hours of sun.

3. Water & Feed Carefully

Newer seedling patches typically need more frequent watering to take root, whereas more established plants only require one to two inches of water per week. Research the amount of water your chosen plants need and provide it accordingly.

Also, feed the produce with organic plant fertilizer when necessary. This will give your new fruits and vegetables the occasional boost they need throughout the growing season.

Make sure your garden thrives with vegetable starters, pots, fertilizers, and tools from P & M Garden Services in Eagle River, AK. Serving customers throughout the state since 1976, this team will help you get your garden started and keep it producing delicious vegetables each year. Visit them online to see samples of their inventory, or call (907) 694-9293 to discuss your planting needs.