Starting a food garden can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Although it takes planning and effort, the rewards are well worth it. With a little bit of know-how and some careful planning, you can enjoy fresh, delicious produce right from your own backyard. You also get to reap the benefits of physical activity and time spent outdoors. Learn more in our Benefits of Food Gardening post.

However, to be successful in growing your own food, it's important to have a plan in place. Here are some key steps to consider when starting a food garden.

Gardening supplies: Learn about the supplies you will need when you use our Transformational Gardening method. Read our blog post Setup Your Food Garden.

Site selection: One of the most important factors to consider when starting a food garden is site selection. Look for a location that receives optimal sunlight throughout the day. Most vegetables require at least six hours of sunlight per day and prefer 8 hours. So choose an area that is not shaded by trees or buildings. If your yard doesn't get enough sun, consider growing crops that will grow with less sunlight. View our blog post Optimizing Sunlight.

Plant selection: Choose crops that are well-suited to your climate. Some vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers, require warm temperatures to grow, while others, like leafy greens and root vegetables, can tolerate cooler temperatures. Consider planting a mix of smaller crops in raised beds and larger crops in containers to maximize your space. View our blog posts about popular vegetables – brassica (cabbage) family, root veggies, tomatoes and more to come.

Trellising: Some crops, like beans, peas, and cucumbers, require a trellis for support systems to grow properly. Consider the size and weight of the crop when selecting a trellis, and make sure it is sturdy enough to support the plant as it grows. There are many trellis designs to choose from. View our blog post about Growing Vertically with a Trellis.

Planting and harvesting schedule: Knowing when to plant your crops is key to a successful harvest. Consider your local climate and the specific needs of the plants you are growing when determining planting times. Some crops, like tomatoes and peppers, should be started indoors several weeks before the last frost date, while others can be planted directly in the ground. View our Planting Calendar for Zones 5b and 6a (Chicago area for planting dates, days to harvest, links to vegetable specific details on temperature tolerances, pests, harvesting and more.

Biodiversity planting method: Planting a mix of crops can help improve soil health, prevent disease, and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Consider planting a mix of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers to create a diverse and beautiful garden. View our blog post Biodiversity Planting.

Careful utilization of space: Be mindful of how much space each plant needs to grow properly. Some crops, like tomatoes and squash, can take up a lot of room, while others, like lettuce and radishes, can be planted in smaller spaces. Consider using trellises, vertical gardening, and other space-saving techniques to maximize your growing area.

Choosing seed starting or transplants: Decide whether to start your plants from seeds or buy transplants. Starting plants from seeds can be more cost-effective and allows you to choose from a wider variety of plants, but requires more time, effort and experience. Buying healthy transplants can be a good option if you don't have the time, space or equipment to start seeds indoors. Beginners should start by planting easy veggies directly into your beds and containers in the spring. View our 2 blog posts on seeds and seedlings for beginners and for seeds and seedlings: next level.

Harvest tips and timing: Knowing when to harvest your crops is crucial for getting the best flavor and nutrition. Each crop has a different harvest time, so be sure to research and track when your plants are ready to be harvested. Our veggie growing tip posts include harvesting tips for each veggie.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. The posts are divided in 6 categories, Each category has its own page with a photo and a short summary for each post. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

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