Start a Garden From Scratch: Spring Gardening Checklist
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Every affiliate link is for an item that we have personally purchased and endorsed.
Spring is the perfect time to decide to start growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In this article, we will cover the necessary steps to start a garden from scratch - whether you have a little or a lot of room - with our spring gardening checklist (April - June) as an easy guide. Let's dive into the key points of creating your dream garden from scratch. Follow our quarterly checklist guides, see the image below, and the “Grow Your Own Food Series” to make the most of your time in the garden and set yourself up for a successful garden harvest this year. If you haven’t read it already, please review our January - March checklist in the previous blog post.
Pin this Post to Pinterest to Share or Read Later
Install Garden Infrastructure
Garden infrastructure - also referred to as hardscapes - are the non-living elements integrated into your landscape. When growing a garden from scratch, it’s smart to start by installing these items before you plant a single seed. These elements may include building materials like bricks, pavers, wood, and stones, but also incorporate essential garden infrastructure such as raised beds, grow bag containers, pots, and plots. When creating your desired garden layout, consider other features like chicken or deer fencing, arches, shepherd's hooks, trellises, and gates. Determine the best ways to utilize your garden space while incorporating accessibility needs - lighted pathways and access to water spigots - as well as additional hardscapes designed to help you enjoy your creation - think garden benches and installing insect hotels, butterfly houses, hummingbird feeders, solar lights, and fiber optic garden stakes. I enjoy gathering garden design ideas on Pinterest (see my gardening folder here for inspiration).
Be sure to check with your city and Homeowners Association (HOA) to ensure that you are following their guidelines, rules, and regulations as some may limit what you are allowed to put in your yard or require a permit to do so.
Note: When purchasing garden infrastructure, investigate the materials used and if there might be a possibility of food contamination from these hardscapes. For example, pressure-treated wood and old recycled wood may not be the best materials for raised beds. Though I encourage the use of upcycled materials and promote sustainable practices, these elements may contain harmful chemicals that can seep into the soil and result in harmful effects on consumers of plants. Be smart and do your research before proceeding (see this article for more information).
Bring in Garden Soil and Mulch
Good soil is the literal foundation of a thriving garden. Unless you already have really good soil, you will most likely have to purchase and bring in nutrient-rich garden soil such as compost, and top it off with a layer of mulch to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and promote healthy plant growth. I learned the hard way that purchasing less expensive “native” soil may result in stunted plant growth, few crops to harvest, and many later regrets. Start your garden from scratch on the right foot - invest in quality soil amendments to enrich your soil and provide your plants with the nutrients they need to flourish each year.
If you feel like going the extra mile, you can also start your own compost pile to put good use to your leftover food waste. I use two of these tumbling composters to make my own compost! Interested in learning more? Head over to FoodPrint to discover all the benefits of composting and how to get started.
When purchasing compost and mulch, do a little research and ask distributors questions to ensure that you are buying soil and mulch void of inorganic materials and dyes which may contaminate crops.
Plant and Harvest Cool-Weather Crops
Take advantage of the cooler spring temperatures by planting and harvesting a variety of cool-weather crops such as lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, and peas. Early-season vegetables will not only satisfy your taste buds, but offer a nourishing jumpstart to your gardening endeavors.
Before planting your garden from scratch, review the United States Department of Agriculture’s (aka USDA) designated “growing zones” to determine when to grow plants in your location (see the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). The Farmer’s Almanac is another great reference to use to decide when to plant specific crops where you live - indoors and outdoors - according to the frost and moon dates.
Transplant Seedlings
If you've started seeds indoors, it's time to prepare them for outdoor life. Harden off your seedlings by gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions over the course of a week or two. Start by moving them outdoors for an hour out of direct sunlight. Each day, lengthen the amount of time seedlings are exposed to the outdoors. This process helps prepare them for harsh weather conditions - wind, sun, and temperature changes.
Transplant seedlings into your garden beds or containers after the last frost date has passed to give them the best chance of success. I personally always wait until a couple of weeks after the last frost date to plant to account for any sudden unexpected temperature drops. Since I use seedling pots that decompose naturally, I gently break apart the pots at the bottom to allow for the roots to grow easier and plant them directly in the soil (no need to remove pots completely). If you started seeds in plastic trays, carefully press each tray cell to release the roots from the tray and tip the tray sideways to guide the seedlings out before planting directly in the garden.
Starting seeds indoors is not required in order to reap the benefits of growing a garden from scratch, however, it will give you a head start on the growing season. Another option is to purchase seedlings from your local nursery.
Direct Sow Seeds
There are some seeds like beans, squash, and sunflowers that do well when planted directly in the soil outdoors (also called direct sowing). Since these seeds germinate easily, starting them indoors is not necessary.
Get your hands dirty by directly sowing seeds outdoors in prepared soil in a location with the recommended amount of sunlight. Follow planting instructions specific to each crop, ensuring proper spacing and depth for optimal growth. I typically do not give plants the recommended spacing (also called overplanting) since I have limited space in my raised beds. Once you start planting, you will be able to determine what works best for you in your garden space.
Now is the exciting part - watching your garden come to life - as seeds emerge and seedlings continue to blossom. Note: I suggest documenting this process by photo, video, and/or journal so that you can replicate and try out new methods for planting.
Thin Seedlings and Weed Frequently
Some seeds - like carrots, radishes, and lettuce - are very tiny. Because of this, it is really easy to plant too many seeds next to each other. Unless you are using seed tape, you will most likely need to “thin out” seedlings. In order to avoid disturbing neighboring roots, cut weak or small seedlings as they emerge to ensure that plants will have adequate space for healthy development. If you don’t do this, it’s unlikely that you will get crops that have the opportunity to grow to their greatest potential. I know this because I’ve done it before. Learn from my mistakes!
If you haven’t noticed already, in addition to your newly started plants, weeds will also grow in your garden soil. This is normal as seeds that you didn’t plant are naturally carried on the wind, falling from trees, and transported by birds and other animals. Protect your investment by weeding your garden early and often and mulching around plants to help regulate temperature, maintain moisture, and keep weeds at bay. Weeds create competition for your plants by draining nutrients in your soil and can quickly take over if left unmonitored. Maintaining a tidy and productive garden can be aesthetically pleasing.
Plant Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials
Depending on your current landscape, consider adding trees, shrubs, and perennial plants in addition to your annual vegetable garden. Fruit and nut trees can take 3-5 years to produce a full harvest, so when planting a garden from scratch, it’s crucial to plant them as soon as possible so that you can reap the benefits. There are new “dwarf” and “urban” varieties which start producing fruit early if you are short on space.
Enhance the beauty and biodiversity of your garden by incorporating shrubs and perennials. Not only does this add interest to your yard, it also can attract important pollinators that will help your garden to flourish. Choose native varieties suited to your specific climate and soil conditions for best results, considering factors such as sunlight exposure, water requirements, and mature size.
Every year, I enjoy planting a mixture of annual and perennial plants including flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. It’s recommended to plant perennial trees and shrubs in the spring or fall outside of the harsh hot and dry summer time. Planting these long-term investments now will reward you with years of enjoyment and abundance.
Water Plants As Needed
Consistent moisture levels are important to ensure that plants grow and thrive. Monitor soil moisture and keep plants watered as needed for optimal growth. If you are starting seedlings inside, it’s especially important to check and water or mist them daily to ensure that the soil and plants don’t dry out. In the early stages, forgetting to water plants can result in the delicate sprouts shriveling up and dying. Always water from the bottom to avoid displacing small seeds and ones that need light to germinate.
When you move seedlings outside, pay attention to the weather including the heat, humidity, and rain to ensure that the soil stays moist. Even if it rains, it may not provide enough water to properly hydrate plants, so additional watering may be necessary. Use a soil pH meter if you’d like to take the guesswork out of measuring soil moisture. I like using this water wand to avoid having to bend over with an easy, one-touch on and off switch. I also like these adjustable hose nozzle sprayers with 10 water pattern options. It’s also important to place pots, plots, and raised beds in a location that provides proper drainage. Roots left sitting in water for extended periods of time are prone to rot.
If you are feeling ambitious or don’t have the time to go outside and water plants daily, consider setting up drip irrigation or soaker hoses to automatically water your garden. Four years ago, I set up my own drip irrigation system hooked up to a timer, so that plants are watered every day. Depending on the weather, you will need to adjust irrigation frequency and length. Drip irrigation has been a huge time and effort saver to ensure that water is delivered directly to the roots of my plants. If you spend the time to set this up at the beginning of the growing season, it can last you for years to come. You can easily find kits online which come with everything you need to get irrigation going!
Anatomy of a Drip Irrigation System
Start a Garden From Scratch: In Summary
Follow this spring checklist (pin below) and you’ll be well on your way to establishing a flourishing garden from scratch. As you work on building your garden, you’ll discover how gardening can be a good way to destress and also revel in the satisfaction of your hard work. Stay tuned for more tips and inspiration as you embark on your “Grow Your Own Food” journey. Happy gardening!
Pin this Checklist Below to Pinterest to Share or Read Later
Follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for more content!
References:
“What Is the Difference Between Hardscape and Landscape?” Https://www.Getcircled.Com/, https://www.getcircled.com/difference-between-hardscape-landscape/. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.
The Safety of Materials Used for Building Raised Beds | University of Maryland Extension. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/safety-materials-used-building-raised-beds. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.
Soil Amendments | CALS. https://cals.cornell.edu/national-good-agricultural-practices-program/resources/educational-materials/decision-trees/soil-amendments. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.
“Composting and Food Waste.” FoodPrint, https://foodprint.org/eating-sustainably/composting-and-food-waste/. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.
2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map | USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/. Accessed 16 Feb. 2024
2024 Frost Dates: First and Last Frost Dates by ZIP Code | The Old Farmer’s Almanac | Almanac.Com. https://www.almanac.com/gardening/frostdates. Accessed 16 Feb. 2024.
Hardening Transplants. https://extension.psu.edu/hardening-transplants. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.
Note: This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT 3.5. However, all ideas and checklist items were generated by the author from her extensive gardening experience.
Suggested Citation: Loufman, Larissa M. Start a Garden From Scratch: Spring Gardening Checklist. Growing Your Own Food Series (April 11, 2024). The Global Harvest RD LLC, 2024. Available at: www.theglobalharvestrd.com/resources/articles/startagardenfromscratch.com.
Author Bio
Larissa M. Loufman, MPH, RD, LD, CLC, CCRC is a Registered Dietitian and Public Health Professional with a passion for healthy living & supporting people in their wellness journey’s. As Founder & Owner of The Global Harvest RD, she empowers others to discover their healthiest & happiest lives through nutrition, gardening, and travel.
Follow Her Online
Website: www.TheGlobalHarvestRD.com
Etsy Shop: TheGlobalHarvestRD.Etsy.com
Instagram: @The_Global_Harvest_RD
Pinterest: @TheGlobalHarvestRD
Disclaimer: Although Larissa holds the designation of Registered Dietitian (RD), it is important to clarify that she does not provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) through this website and her company, The Global Harvest RD. The information presented on this site is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It is crucial to recognize that nothing within this site or the resources provided should be construed as professional medical advice. Readers are advised that the author assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from actions or the failure to act based on the content found on this website. It is emphasized that the information presented here is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any health conditions. For personalized medical advice, it is strongly recommended to consult directly with your local healthcare or medical provider team to make sure that this advice is right for you.
