Garden-to-Table: Our Guide to Starting an Edible Garden

At some point, most of us have had the thought, “I would love a garden with herbs and vegetables.” Usually it’s triggered by eating at a farm-to-table restaurant or watching a friend pick his or her own herb and throw it in a pot right before our eyes.

Procrastinate no more. We’re going to provide an easy step-by- step guide to growing your own edibles. Be ready to join the “in” crowd when it comes to organic eating. Growing your own garden can be fun, healthy and save you money!

Requirements:

• Raised garden beds or containers (our recommendation)
• Vegetable and herb seeds
• Soil – specialized for what you are planting
• Natural compost (to fertilizer soil)

Here are the basic steps to growing your edible garden:

1. Determine what  vegetables/herbs taste best fresh and are appropriate for the season (let’s focus on warm weather crops)
2. Choose the location of your garden based on sunlight exposure, proximity to a water source and ability to be protected from strong winds and other elements.
3. Pick your garden style – raised beds, traditional rows or square footage gardens. We recommend raised beds this makes it easier to manage. Be sure not to OVERCROWD.
4. Use organically fertilized soil to increase the natural benefits of your edibles. *Always check the ph level of soil, it should approach neutral, ph 5.5-6.5 is good. Soil in the Hudson Valley tends to be acidic, 3-5. To sweeten the soil, add lime! It’s a must for a flourishing garden.
5. Purchase your favorite seeds from your local gardening center. Ask the experts any questions that come to mind.
6. If you’d like to get a head start— plant your seeds indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the growing season begins; make sure the containers you use have an outlet for drainage. Once in season, transplant the plants to your outside garden. Follow guidelines on seed packet for seed depth, sunlight and water requirements.
7. Nurture and enjoy!

Suggested warm weather seeds: beans, corn, cucumber, eggplant, peppers, squash, tomato, zucchini & herbs.

Vegetable and herb seeds are available at Down to Earth Nursery in Pomona, NY. Stop in and one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members will help you get started!