 Why Grow?
Gardening is a fun way to make use of your home's resources to grow delicious and healthy food for your family. You can get started with as little as a packet of seeds, soil and water. The numerous types of foods, growing methods and containers available make gardening a very time-, space- and budget-flexible venture. And, gardening gives you control over how your food is grown including, for example, decisions about whether to use pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
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- Heirloom seeds are older varieties of seeds that have been saved and passed down over generations. Seeds from heirloom plants can be saved and used to grow plants the following season. Learn how to save seeds.
- Hybrid seeds are a cross of multiple plant varieties created for specific features such as disease resistance or size. Seeds from hybrid plants tend to be sterile, which means they cannot be saved and used for more plants.
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Fruits and vegetables come in many different varieties. Selecting the right type depends on your climate, location and soil type as well as, your personal preferences in taste, color, size, maintenance, etc. Learn about selecting plant varieties. |
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Seeds can be planted directly into the ground or started indoors and later transplanted into the ground. Seed packets usually provide recommendations for the type of plant to be grown. Learn how to start seeds indoors. |
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It is a good idea to have your yard's soil tested prior to planting. A basic test will reveal the soil's pH level and levels of harmful contaminants such as lead. It will also give you time- and money-saving recommendations for nutrient and pH adjustment to improve your soil. Learn how to get a soil test from the UMass Soil Testing Laboratory. |
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Garden soil should be fertile, well drained and have the proper pH (acidity or alkalinity). Soil with good structure enables maximum penetration of water, air and roots for healthier plants. Learn about improving soils for vegetable gardening. |
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On average your garden will require about an inch of water per week, which is sometimes more than provided by normal rainfall. To overcome this shortfall, consider installing a rain harvesting system to collect and store rainwater for use when your garden needs it. |
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By using a rain harvesting system, you will save money and help to conserve a precious resource that would otherwise be lost to runoff and likely diverted to a storm drain. One of the more common systems is a rain barrel, which attaches to and collects water from your downspout. Learn about local rain barrel workshops and resources. |
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Your garden can be grown in all kinds of spaces depending on your location size, site and budget, from small containers to lasagna or raised beds. |
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Your plants should be located where they will receive adequate sunlight and so that taller plants do not shade shorter ones. Learn more about garden design. |
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Spacing is an important factor in maximizing your garden's growing potential. Some plants require more room to grow while smaller ones can be planted close together. Seed packets usually provide recommendations for seed spacing and planting depth.
- Horizontal - Planting in rows is generally called horizontal planting.
- Vertical - Vertical planting saves garden space and can be used for a variety of plants including peas, squash and cucumbers, which will naturally grow up support structures.
- Spiral - An herb spiral uses permaculture design to conserve water and make use of horizontal and vertical space for growing herbs. Herbs requiring more sun and soil drainage are planted near the top of the spiral and those requiring less are planted near the bottom. Learn how to make an herb spiral.
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