How do I start a vegetable garden as a beginner?

Start small — a 3×3 m bed or a few containers. Choose 4–6 easy crops like lettuce, radishes, beans and tomatoes, give them 6–8 hours of sun, enrich the soil with compost, and water consistently. A small win builds the confidence to expand.

What are the easiest vegetables to grow?

Lettuce and salad greens, radishes (ready in 25–30 days), bush beans, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and herbs like basil and chives. They germinate reliably, grow fast and forgive small mistakes — look for the “Beginner friendly” badge on each card.

How much sunlight do vegetables need?

Most want 6–8 hours of direct sun. Fruiting crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) prefer full sun; leafy greens tolerate partial shade and welcome afternoon shade in hot climates. Each plant card shows the exact requirement.

Should I start seeds indoors or direct sow?

Start long-season or transplant-friendly crops (tomatoes, peppers, brassicas) indoors for a head start. Direct sow crops that dislike root disturbance (carrots, radishes, beans, squash). Your last-frost date sets the timing — connect your zone and we'll schedule it for you.

How far apart should I space my plants?

Spacing depends on the crop — lettuce and radishes 8–10 cm apart, bush beans about 15 cm, tomatoes and peppers 45–60 cm, and squash up to 90 cm. Giving roots and leaves room to breathe cuts disease and competition dramatically. Each plant card lists its exact spacing, and the garden planner arranges your beds for you automatically.

How often should I water my garden?

Most gardens want about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water a week. Water deeply two or three times rather than a little every day — it pulls roots downward and builds drought resilience. Check by pushing a finger 3 cm into the soil and water when it's dry at that depth. Containers dry out faster and may need a daily drink in summer heat.

The growing library

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Browse 1,000+ vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers and trees with detailed growing guides — planting dates, spacing and depth, sun and water needs, and companion pairings for every plant.

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1014+ plants·sowing & harvest dates·spacing & planting depth·companion pairings

Why Garden Planning Matters

Successful gardening starts long before the first seed goes into the ground. Planning your garden layout helps you maximize limited space, ensure every plant receives the sunlight and airflow it needs, and avoid costly mistakes like planting incompatible neighbors side by side.

A well-planned garden also makes succession planting easier, ensuring a continuous harvest from spring through autumn rather than a single overwhelming glut. Understanding each plant's spacing requirements, days to maturity, and seasonal preferences lets you stagger plantings for a steady supply of fresh produce.

Whether you are growing vegetables for your family table, cultivating herbs for the kitchen, or designing a pollinator-friendly flower garden, our planting guide gives you the information you need to grow with confidence.

Tips for Beginner Gardeners

1Start small. A 3m × 3m plot with five or six varieties is far more manageable than a sprawling garden that overwhelms you by midsummer.
2Know your zone. Your USDA hardiness zone determines which perennials survive winter and when to sow annuals safely outdoors.
3Test your soil. A simple pH test kit reveals whether you need lime or sulfur, saving you from mysterious plant failures later.
4Plan for sunlight. Most vegetables need 6-8 hours of direct sun. Map sun exposure before you commit to a layout.
5Water deeply, less often. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downward, making plants more drought-resistant and robust.
6Keep a garden journal. Recording what you planted, when, and how it performed is the fastest way to improve year over year.

Summer Tips

1Water deeply and infrequently (2.5-4 cm per week) to encourage deep root growth and drought resistance.

2Mulch around plants with straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

3Succession plant quick-growing crops like bush beans, lettuce, and radishes every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvests.

4Monitor for pests daily, especially squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and tomato hornworms — early detection is key.

5Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Zucchini and beans become tough when left too long on the plant.

Browse the plant library

Showing 1014 of 1014 plants

Vegetables

Intermediate

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum

Full Sun (6-8h+)Medium (even moisture)75 daysZ3–11

Vegetables

Intermediate

Bell Pepper

Capsicum annuum

Full Sun (6-8h+)Medium (even moisture)70 daysZ4–12

Vegetables

Intermediate

Cucumber

Cucumis sativus

Full Sun (6-8h+)High (consistent moisture)60 daysZ4–12

Vegetables

Intermediate

Zucchini

Cucurbita pepo

The complete planting guide for the garden you'll actually grow

Why Garden Planning Matters

Tips for Beginner Gardeners

Summer Tips

Browse the plant library

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Oak Leaf Lettuce