Start with soil
Add compost every season. A simple soil test from your county extension office tells you pH and nutrient needs before you buy amendments.
Growing
Ground that grows. Look for soil, sun, water and fenced garden space, plus guides for orchards, greenhouses and market gardens.
Growing properties
Growing guide
The homestead garden
Healthy soil, a good plan, and steady attention will feed your family more reliably than any shortcut.
Getting started
Choose the right spot
Most vegetables need 6–8 hours of direct sun. Place beds close to the house and the water source so daily care is easy.
Raised beds or in-ground
Raised beds warm earlier and drain well; in-ground rows cost less and suit larger plots. Either works.
Know your frost dates
Your average last and first frost dates set the calendar for planting. Look them up for your area and plan backwards.
Easy crops for beginners
- Leaf lettuce, spinach, and kale for cool seasons
- Bush beans and peas
- Zucchini and summer squash
- Tomatoes and peppers from transplants
- Potatoes and garlic
- Herbs such as basil, parsley, dill, and chives
Keeping it going
Water deeply
Water at the base of plants in the morning, deeply and less often, to encourage strong roots. Mulch holds moisture.
Mulch and compost
Straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips suppress weeds. Compost kitchen scraps and yard waste to close the loop.
Rotate crops
Avoid planting the same family in the same bed year after year to reduce pests and disease.
Preserve the harvest
Freeze, dehydrate, or can surplus. Follow tested recipes, such as those from the USDA or the National Center for Home Food Preservation.