Listen to this article in Afrikaans:

Why do you want to grow your own veggie garden? Is it because you want to be eco-conscious? Are you perhaps feeling the influence of inflation? Maybe you’re stressed and all the self-care Tiktoks suggest spending time with your hands in the dirt. 

All of the above are wonderful reasons to start your own veggie garden. But how, exactly, are you supposed to do that? 

HOMEMAKERS has the definitive noob guide right here:

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 20)

Veggie Garden Noob Tip 1: Pick a Perfect Place 

It is crucial to choose a decent site for your garden. Substandard vegetables come from a subpar location! 

Since most veggies require 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, pick a sunny location. 

Because moist soil leads to wet roots, which can eventually decay, the region should drain efficiently. 

It must be solid and wind-free. Avoid planting your young plants in areas where there are frequent strong winds that could topple them or prevent pollinators from doing their job. 

Size Matters 

Your beginner garden should be at least 10 square meters and no larger than 15 square meters. Pick 3 to 5 of your favourite vegetables and buy 3 to 5 plants of each one. 

Noob Note: make sure that you have paths between the rows that allow you to access your plants to weed and harvest. 

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 20)

Veggie Garden Noob Tip 3: Prohibit the Pests 

Whack Those Weeds 

Keep weeds to a minimum since they compete with your vegetables for light, water, and nutrients. Around larger plants like tomatoes, a mulch made of clean straw, compost, or plastic can keep weeds at bay. 

Make Insects, Out-sects 

Large insects and caterpillars can be manually removed and thrown into a pail of soapy water. Try insecticidal soap sprays if there are more insects present. 

Fight the Fungus 

By watering the soil rather than the plant’s leaves, you can lessen the probability of developing fungal illnesses. Water in the morning so the leaves will be dry by dusk. Utilise crop rotation to prevent the population of disease-causing microorganisms from growing. 

Noob Note: don’t add sick plants to your compost pile. 

Veggie Garden Noob Tip 4: Go All In! 

Keep Notes! 

One of the most effective ways to actually advance as a gardener is to journal about your garden. You should be aware of how particular plants perform in your garden, as well as what you did that worked and what didn’t. 

Now you have all the info you need to become a veggie veteran. Go forth and propagate! 

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 20)