Edible gardening is easier than you think.
Here are tips to consider before sowing the first seed or digging the first hole.
1. Follow the Light
Find your sunniest spot (at least four to six hours of direct sun) and start your edible garden there.
2. Elevate
If your soil is unhealthy, rocky or packed with clay or your only available space is concrete, consider building or buying raised beds so you can control the soil mix. Good bed materials are cedar, redwood, small boulders or brick.
3. Think Small
If you are new to this, start with one raised bed or a few containers to test your green-thumb skills.
4. Soil Alert
Always use compost-rich organic soil for plant health and vigor. For convenience, consider bagged organic soil formulated for growing veggies.
5. Seed Money
While it’s tempting to buy nursery seedlings in six-packs, consider using seeds — some seeds are easier (and cheaper) to grow. Also, seeds allow variety and let you test out less conventional or heirloom options.
6. Easy Peasy
Now that you’ve created the most ideal environment, try growing these top edibles: peas, carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, zucchini, radishes, strawberries, parsley, oregano and thyme.