How to Start a Garden: A Comprehensive Guide

Co-authored by Steve Masley and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: July 28, 2024 Approved

Having a garden at home adds color and life to your yard and also rewards you with fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs. Fortunately, you don't need a lot to get started. If you have an idea of what you'd like to grow, you're already on the right track! We'll cover what you need to start a successful garden and give you the step-by-step guide to getting your plants in the ground.

1

Choose a location that gets direct sunlight.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Start-a-Garden-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Garden-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Start-a-Garden-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Start-a-Garden-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Pick a well-draining spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Try to avoid parts of your yard that have puddles after it rains—you don't want the roots of plants getting waterlogged. It also helps to choose a garden spot that's mostly level and open, so you don't have to work around trees or shrubs. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If this is your first garden, you might want to keep it on the smaller side. This way, you can gain practice and confidence before devoting a big section of your yard to a garden.
- If you don't have a yard, you can still start a garden! Set up raised beds or plant in containers on patios or balconies. There are lots of plant varieties designed to thrive in containers.

2

Decide what you’d like to grow.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Start-a-Garden-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Garden-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Start-a-Garden-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Start-a-Garden-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Plan on growing veggies or herbs you like to eat. You want to be able to enjoy your harvest! Some of the easiest veggies to grow include tomatoes, potatoes, beans, cucumbers, leafy greens, lettuce, and squash. Radishes, spinach, and carrots are also easy plants that grow really quickly. ^{[2]
X
Research source}
- For easy herbs to grow, try planting rosemary, oregano, thyme, or chives.
- If you want to try your hand at growing fruit, start with strawberries or blueberries. These don't take up a lot of space and they grow quickly, so you don't have to wait years for your first harvest.

3

Get the basic tools and supplies you need.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Start-a-Garden-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Garden-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Start-a-Garden-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Start-a-Garden-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Buy a shovel, rake, and hose or watering can. It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you're shopping for garden supplies—there are so many tools! When you're just starting out, get the basics. At a minimum, you'll need a shovel for digging, a rake for leveling the soil, and a hose or watering can for watering your plants. You can also buy these items individually or shop for a kit that has great tools for a beginner . Don't forget to pick up: ^{[3]
X
Research source}
- A small spade for planting or removing weeds
- String and stakes if you want to mark out rows in the garden
- A sprinkler if you're watering a large area
- Fertilizer or compost if you're planning to enrich the soil
- Fencing materials if you're worried you need to keep pests out of the garden

4

Test the soil to make sure it's right for your plants.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Start-a-Garden-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Garden-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Start-a-Garden-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Start-a-Garden-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Test the soil to see if it's between 6 and 7.5 pH. ^{[4]
X
Research source} If you've struggled to grow plants in the past, go ahead and test the soil. Take a sample and send it to a local agricultural extension office for testing or follow the home test kit instructions . The soil test results will tell you the soil's pH and nutrient makeup, so you know exactly what to add to improve the soil , so the soil is between the optimum range of 6 and 7.5 pH. ^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If you live in an area that's known as a great gardening region, you may want to skip this step.
- For instance, if your results show that the pH is lower than 7, you could add limestone , or if the soil is over the recommended 7.5 pH, you could add sulfur to amend the soil.

5

Choose seeds or starts depending on your growing season.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Start-a-Garden-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Garden-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Start-a-Garden-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Start-a-Garden-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Weigh the pros and cons of seeds or starts for the plants you're growing. If you live in a cool climate or you don't really have experience starting plants from seeds, starts are a good way to go since they reduce the initial growing time. For instance, plan on tomato starts if your area doesn't have very hot or long summers. On the other hand, some veggies grow really quickly straight from seed—think radishes and lettuce. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Starts are a bit more expensive than seeds, but you will save time and space if you choose to germinate from seeds . Seeds are more cost-effective, especially if you save seeds year after year.
- Some community centers or farmers' markets put on plant sales early in the spring. These are great places for picking up healthy starts. Plus, you can ask knowledgeable people questions about different varieties or growing conditions.

6

Buy starts or seeds for your growing zone.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Start-a-Garden-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Garden-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Start-a-Garden-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Start-a-Garden-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Determine your growing zone and read labels to find plants that will thrive. Growing zones show you the temperature ranges that a plant can tolerate. This way, you can buy plants that won't struggle to survive in your area. To find your garden zone, head to The National Gardening Zone's website and enter your zip code. ^{[7]
X
Research source} As you shop, read the labels to find out if the starts or seeds grow well in your zone.
- For instance, if you live in a cool climate, choose varieties that have a short growing season, so the plants have a chance to grow and ripen before it gets too cool.
- If you live in a warm climate, you have a longer growing window, so you'll have more choices when it comes to seeds.

7

Arrange the plants in your garden space.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Start-a-Garden-Step-7-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Garden-Step-7-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Start-a-Garden-Step-7-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Start-a-Garden-Step-7-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Maximize your space by choosing plants that grow well next to each other. Before you start digging, decide where you'll place each plant, so they get enough sunlight. For instance, plant tall plants like corn next to plants that you'd like to shade from heat and sunlight like lettuce. ^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Find companion plants for each plant you want to grow. Some combinations of companion plants can extend your growing season. For example, plant spinach or herbs early in the season. Then, plant tomatoes in the same bed as the season warms up.
- Plant nasturtiums or marigolds throughout your garden to keep garden pests away.

8

Plant your garden after the last frost.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Start-a-Garden-Step-8-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Garden-Step-8-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Start-a-Garden-Step-8-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Start-a-Garden-Step-8-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Look up the last frost date for your area to use as a guide. Most plant labels will give you a broad range of planting dates like plant in April-May, but the last frost date tells you exactly when you can plant your seeds or starts. For instance, if you're planting cucumbers, the package might say to plant them 1 to 2 weeks after the last frost, or if you're planting eggplants, wait 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost. ^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Other plant labels might tell you what temperature the soil should be before you plant. For example, wait until the soil's 60 °F (16 °C) before you plant corn.
- You can head to almanac.com to enter your zip code and find your last frost date.

9

Prepare the garden soil and make it level.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Start-a-Garden-Step-9-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Garden-Step-9-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Start-a-Garden-Step-9-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Start-a-Garden-Step-9-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Rake the top 6 inches (15 cm) of soil and spread the soil so it's even. You don't have to work deep into the soil to get it ready for plants . Just dig down 6 inches (15 cm) and break up the soil. Pull out any rocks, sticks, or roots that could interfere with your plants. Then, drag the rake over the surface, so the soil is level. ^{[10]
X
Research source}
- If you want to amend the soil or add compost, now's the time to do it! Mix your choice of fertilizer or compost into the soil before you level the surface.

10

Sow seeds directly in the soil or plant your starts.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Start-a-Garden-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Garden-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Start-a-Garden-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Start-a-Garden-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Dig a hole for the starts or scatter the seeds onto the soil. If you're using seeds, scatter them and spread ¹ ⁄ ₄ to ¹ ⁄ ₂ in (6.4 to 12.7 mm) of soil over them. For starts, dig a hole that's the recommended depth listed on the plant tag. The tag will also tell you how much space to leave between the plants. Take the starts out of their containers and put them into the holes. Then, gently backfill the space around the plants with soil. ^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Steve Masley
Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Interview. 20 March 2020.}
- If you're planting a vegetable garden, design it so that it's convenient for you to walk into the garden and harvest vegetables as they ripen.

11

Add mulch or leaves to cut back on the weeds.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Start-a-Garden-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Garden-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Start-a-Garden-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Start-a-Garden-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Spread organic mulch, like grass clippings, around your plant starts. Unfortunately, weeds will grow along with your plants and they'll steal nutrients from the soil. Put down a 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) layer of mulch , grass clippings, or leaves in your vegetable garden to smother potential weeds. If you do see weeds pop through, pull them immediately. Just be careful not to pull up your new sprouting plants. ^{[12]
X
Research source}
- If you don't want to buy mulch and you've got compost around, spread a layer of compost instead. This can help protect the plant starts as they germinate.

12

Water your garden to keep the soil moist.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0b\/Start-a-Garden-Step-10-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Garden-Step-10-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0b\/Start-a-Garden-Step-10-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Start-a-Garden-Step-10-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Soak the soil whenever the top 2 inches (5.1 cm) feels dry. A good soak encourages the seeds or plant starts to put on growth. Keep an eye on how much rain your garden gets and water it on days where no rain falls. ^{[13]
X
Expert Source

Steve Masley
Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Interview. 20 March 2020.} If you're not sure if your plants got enough rain, dig your fingers into the soil a few inches—if it's dry, it's time to water. ^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Use a watering can or a garden hose with a nozzle that you can adjust to a sprinkler setting. This way, the water won't wash away the seeds.
- Stop watering as soon as the soil is moist. If you water too much, the plant roots can get waterlogged.

What Should You Consider Before Starting a Garden?

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What month should you start a garden?

Steve Masley
Home & Garden Specialist
Steve Masley has been designing and maintaining organic vegetable gardens in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 30 years. He is an Organic Gardening Consultant and Founder of Grow-It-Organically, a website that teaches clients and students the ins and outs of organic vegetable gardening. In 2007 and 2008, Steve taught the Local Sustainable Agriculture Field Practicum at Stanford University.

Steve Masley

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

Take timing into account. Planting dates vary with climate zones. If you live in a region with mild winters and hot summers, for example, you'll be able to plant earlier in the year than you would if you lived in a region with cold winters and shorter summers.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
Question

Is there any kind of DIY fertilizer?

Community Answer

You can take your food scraps and start a compost pile in a large container, it will be great fertilizer. If you need something more quickly, ashes from burnt wood are high in phosphorous, and urine is high in nitrogen.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 31
Question

How do I keep my dog out of my garden?

Community Answer

The best way to keep your dog out of your garden is to mount a fence that's too tall for your dog to jump over. You could also tie your dog up outside using a leash that's an appropriate length to keep them from reaching your garden.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 18 Helpful 22

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

If you're looking to save money by starting a garden, check thrift stores for gardening tools and equipment. Some communities also have programs for sharing useful tools between neighbors.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
If you see wild animals in your yard, it's a good idea to erect a fence around your garden to keep them out.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Things You’ll Need

Gardening gloves
Small spade
Watering can or hose
Shovel
Rake
String and stakes, optional
Fertilizer or compost, optional
Fencing supplies, optional
Soil test kit, optional

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

Expert Source

Steve Masley
Home & Garden Specialist

[12]

[13]

[14]

Log in

How to Start a Garden: A Comprehensive Guide

Steps

Choose a location that gets direct sunlight.

Decide what you’d like to grow.

Get the basic tools and supplies you need.

Test the soil to make sure it's right for your plants.

Choose seeds or starts depending on your growing season.

Buy starts or seeds for your growing zone.

Arrange the plants in your garden space.

Plant your garden after the last frost.

Prepare the garden soil and make it level.

Sow seeds directly in the soil or plant your starts.

Add mulch or leaves to cut back on the weeds.

Water your garden to keep the soil moist.

What Should You Consider Before Starting a Garden?

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Things You’ll Need

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories