My first year starting a garden was chaotic, to say the least. COVID-19 mandates had just been announced, work-from-home was expected to last “two weeks,” and no one really knew what was coming next.
You’ve probably heard about raised garden beds, in-ground no-till methods, grow bags, pots, and even self-watering buckets. Each of these can work — the key is understanding how they fit your goals, your space, and your budget.
When I built my first garden beds, I was so excited when the first flowers started blooming. It’s a feeling I get to experience each year. Seeing the hard work pay off is incredibly rewarding.
I wish I had spent more time planning my garden before I built those first two beds. I sketched something quick and jumped in. A year later, I had to spend a whole day relocating those beds to a better spot.
Back in 2020, when I decided to build a dedicated backyard garden area, I rushed in without much planning. That lack of preparation cost me more money up front and left me little time to find budget-friendly options.
See the must-have tools for new gardeners and how to use them effectively.
Learn easy soil prep methods like composting, aeration, and amendments for success.
When I first started gardening, I didn’t give much thought to zones or frost dates. I thought if I planted seeds and watered regularly, I’d get vegetables. It didn’t take long for me to realize there’s a little more to it than that.
A lush backyard vegetable garden featuring productive raised beds, a young fruit tree, and neatly mulched pathways, creating a functional and inviting outdoor space. Backyard
