Kitchen Garden Guide
Since the pandemic (covet-19) there has been an increase in awareness of the importance of starting backyard farms or gardens to sustain one’s self by not only relying wholly on foods being produced by growers (farms) but individuals turning their backyards into edible gardens or increasing food production in an existing home garden setting that has proven to be beneficial. One such garden that has made a comeback from the Middle ages is kitchen gardens which are believed to” have started from the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans”.
These 17th or 18th-century gardens were believed to be constructed “to provide fresh produce such as vegetable, fruits, and herbs for families since it was difficult to preserve fresh produce that had to be transported from long distances because of the absence of refrigerators”.
What is a Kitchen Garden?
A kitchen garden is a small allotted space right outside of your kitchen with the intention of growing food crops that can be easily accessed for consumption. Kitchen gardens are designed to connect more aesthetically with the design and architecture of the home and may incorporate a sitting area. In other words, besides growing food, these gardens are beautifully designed.
When to Plant a Kitchen Garden?
The best time to start a kitchen garden is early spring when the soil starts to warm up, seedlings that have been started indoors or seeds that come directly out of the seed package can be sawn directly into the ground. This jump start will ensure you’re eating fresh throughout the spring and summer months.
How to Construct a Kitchen Garden?
- Decide on which vegetables or herbs you want to grow
- To have success your garden should be located in an area that gets lots of sunlight, unlike other plants(ornamental plants) that can thrive on various degrees of sunlight including shaded areas edible plants usually need lots of sunlight to grow healthy and full
- If possible ensure the area where you’re installing your garden is near a water source to make it easy to water your plants
- Put a plan in place by creating and dividing plant beds, or the use of raised bed style design can work as well-refer to raised bed photo above.
- Once each area has been marked out and divided, begin to clear the area by removing weeds and other debris
- Edible plants thrive best in soils that are nutrient-rich, holds the right amount of water but will allow excess water to drain. Make soil improvements to your existing soil by incorporating manure or well-rotted compost
- Before planting ensure that veggies or herbs are grouped together with the same light and moisture requirements, the way to do this is whatever you are planting on growing, get as much information as possible. This way you will know what to plant in the same bed
- Try if you prefer companion planting with ornamental plants by placing them at the edge or around your plants. This method is a natural way to repel garden insect pests
- Placing a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your edible plants will help to discourage weeds from popping up, keep the soil cool, retain moisture, and as mulch breaks down will add nutrients to the soil.
- If bugs are present try these homemade remedies or use an organic insecticide that’s labeled for edible plants, before using store brought insecticides, read and follow the manufactures directions for the best results.
- Apply horse, chicken, or cow manure is natural organics that will add nutrients to the soil, if you must use synthetic fertilizers read and follow the manufacturer’s directions before applying for the best results
- Keep a close watch on your garden and remove weeds that may have made their way up through the mulch
- Set a schedule for when you can go into your garden to remove debris and dead vegetation
- whenever pruning is needed selective pruning can help to remove dead stems and leaves
Aerogarden Reviews
A great way to grow indoor edible plants is with the help of the Aerogarden Garden System, these garden systems are designed to make indoor gardening so simple, the Aerogarden System is popular because of what they can do. For more on Aerogarden Systems, you can refer here.
Container Gardening
If you’re living in an apartment that just doesn’t have any space outdoors you can still have your kitchen garden with the help of containers. The containers can be placed on your balcony, or it may be some other area that is not occupied can be used, hopefully, the location has sufficient sunlight to grow your kitchen garden. Here are some great ideas on how to container garden. Summer container garden ideas, container vegetable garden tips, best soil mix for container vegetable garden, herb garden containers, flower container ideas for full sun, how to grow peppers in containers, problems with container plants, how to water container plants, apartment gardening, balcony garden ideas, how to grow tomatoes in containers and how to grow an indoor vegetable.
Bonus Just for Your
Vegetables that are Easy to Grow
- Kale
- Radishes
- Lettuce
- Cucumbers
- Peas
- Green Beans
- Swiss Chard
- Beets
- Tomatoes
- Bell Peppers
- Bok Choy
- Cabbage
- Zucchini
Herbs that are Easy to Grow
In case you missed it
2. How to build a raised bed herb garden.
3. Companion planting with herbs.
The final word on how do you do kitchen gardening
Kitchen gardening is not new but has been around for some time and is making a strong comeback, these gardens are so easy to grow and maintain. This guide will help you along the way as you seek to grow your very own kitchen garden. I believe that no matter how small the space you can have a kitchen garden where you can have edible plants at your fingertips. Go ahead and give this garden method a try you will be so happy with the results as you are rewarded with a great harvest as you reap the rewards of your labor.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Regarding your post about kitchen gardening, it’s great that you’re promoting the benefits of growing your food and providing helpful tips on how to get started. Kitchen gardening is not only a sustainable and cost-effective way to access fresh produce but also a rewarding and enjoyable hobby. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insights with others.
These kitchen gardens are amazing and have so many benefits, thanks for your kind words and I am so happy to help.
Hi Norman, I just started my own garden for the first time and to say I am pleased is an understatement.
Thank you for outlining and keeping it simple, you provided a checklist of what to do and not to do in the garden and I have done everything you’ve listed so far!
I planted corn, zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, red potatoes, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, carrots and cucumbers and tomatoes – looking forward to see how it all comes together.
Thank you for sharing!
That is so good to hear, I am happy for you. Hoping that you reap a good harvest.