A Simple Gardening Guide To Get You Growing This May
Garden Harvest
I have several thrifted baskets that I use when picking my harvest from the garden. I love the anticipation of heading out to see what I can pick each day; it lights me up.
There’s nothing more satisfying than watching your garden grow. It’s miraculous, really.
During the summer months, I’m outside in the garden every day. We eat something from the garden all summer long. I love stepping outside to see what’s ready — a handful of cherry tomatoes, a sprig of fresh basil, a cucumber I almost missed under the leaves.
I find deep satisfaction in eating what I’ve grown with my own hands. I don’t use any chemical fertilizers or pesticides — that’s always been important to me.
If you’ve been thinking about starting a garden — whether it’s a few pots on the porch, a raised bed, or a sunny spot in your yard — this simple, doable guide will help you get started. The goal? Get your plants in the ground within the next ten days so you can enjoy a harvest this summer.
And yes, you can totally do this — even if you’ve never gardened before.
Step 1: Choose Your Spot
Pick a sunny area — at least 6 hours of full sun per day is best for most vegetables. South-facing areas often get the most consistent light. If you're working with a patio or balcony, that's fine too — containers will do the trick!
✨ Tip: Notice where the sun hits your space throughout the day. Morning light is great, but full afternoon sun helps veggies thrive.
Step 2: Prep Your Space
✅ Containers: Add fresh potting mix and compost if you have it. Drill drainage holes if needed.
✅ Raised beds: Pull any weeds, loosen the soil with a rake or garden fork, and mix in compost.
✅ In-ground: Clear a patch of grass or weeds, break up the soil, and work in some organic, bagged soil, mixing it in.
Budget-friendly tip: If you're working with a small budget, check your local thrift store for pots, baskets, or even old crates that can be repurposed into planters. If you’re handy, look for free pallets (often listed on Facebook Marketplace) and turn them into a raised bed with a little elbow grease. You don’t need fancy — just functional. *Lots of YouTube videos on how to do this!
Step 3: Pick What to Plant
Start with easy, quick-growing, and rewarding choices like:
Herbs: basil, parsley, mint, rosemary
Greens: lettuce, spinach, arugula
Veggies: cherry tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers
Flowers: marigolds, zinnias, or nasturtiums (which are edible and pest-repellent!) Adding flowers is a must!
You can start with starter plants from your local garden center or nursery — they give you a head start and are perfect for beginners. Don’t be afraid to ignore the spacing rules, pack plants, flowers, and herbs together, there’s less weeding and they thrive this way.
Step 4: Water & Watch
Give your plants a good soak after planting and aim to water in the mornings when possible. Containers will need more frequent watering, especially in warmer weather.
Check on your garden daily — not just for watering, but to enjoy it (don’t forget to pull the weeds!). This is the part that brings me joy: watching, waiting, and making tiny progress each day.
Step 5: Enjoy the Miracle
Even if all you grow is a single tomato plant or a pot of basil, there is something deeply grounding and joyful about tending to a garden. If you have no outdoor space, find a sunny windowsill and plant a few herbs in pots.
It’s not just about the food — it’s about connecting with something real, slow, and good.
If you plant this week, you’ll be enjoying your own fresh produce before you know it. I’m cheering you on — and if you have questions, leave them in the comments or reach out.
Much love,
Susan
P.S. Grab my Garden Quick Start Checklist, it’s free! And if you’re up for a pretty easy DIY, you can grab the DIY Raised Garden Bed instructions.