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Vegetable gardening -- getting started
Here's how to begin vegetable gardening. (View/print tip sheet of this information in pdf.) Go to our Tip Sheets page for information on growing specific vegetables and other advice. (Don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader for pdf files? Download it here. )

Garden planning calendar
(View planning calendar - pdf)

  • January – February: Order seed catalogs or find seed web sites.
  • February – March: Order seeds.
  • March - April: Prepare the soil when it is dry enough.
  • April: Plant cool season vegetables. (Check local planting dates.)
  • May: Plant warm season vegetables after danger of frost.

Don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader for pdf files? Download it here. Tilling the soil.

Where to put your garden
(View planning your garden tip sheet - pdf)

  • Convenient to your home and close to a water source.
  • Where soil is good and free from toxins.
  • Sunny, level spot (six to eight hours of sunlight)
  • Stay away from trees and shrubs.
  • Avoid north-facing slopes and low areas.
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Build your garden soil
(View how to build your soils tip sheet - pdf)

  • Add organic matter every year. First, test your soil for acidity (pH) and nutrients.
  • Use appropriate amount and type of fertilizer.
  • Prepare your garden soil for planting and avoid compacting it.
Preparing to plant seeds

Plan your garden on paper

  • Start small (20’ x 10’) and expand with more experience.
    • Plant tall vegetables on the north side.
    • Give each plant the space it needs.
  • Draw garden map and include:
    • Specific location of each vegetable crop.
    • Spacing between plants and rows.
    • Vegetables your family likes to eat.
    • Planting dates.
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Plant your vegetable garden

  • Buy and plant seeds and transplants according to your plan.
  • Harden off your transplants.
  • Plant when the soil is warm enough for your vegetable crops.
  • Use mulch, and maybe row covers.
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Keep your plants growing

  • Thin plants to increase harvest.
  • Keep the garden weeded and manage pest problems.
  • Add nutrients in summer when needed.
  • Water when soil is dry.

Read this article from the MSU Landscape Alert newsletter on how to proceed when you have vegetable garden issues.

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Harvest vegetables

  • Harvesting vegetables tip sheet
  • Check your garden often; you’ll enjoy it more!
  • Harvest vegetables at their peak flavor and nutrition level.
  • Use as soon as possible.
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Crop specific

Videos for vegetable planting:

Preserving vegetables

  
Also, check out MSU Extension's publications about growing vegetables.

MSU Extension

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader to view pdf files.

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Updated: 01/20/10 Photo credits for web banner: Phil DeVore, Country images, for wildflower image and Casey Williamson for fruit/vegetable images.
Funding support provided by MSU Extension. Developed by MSU Consumer Horticulture Team with MSU IPM Program. Contact the web developer.
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