Every Girl Needs a Good Hoe

“What’s a hoe?”

After regaining a bit of control, I managed to squeak out a few words in between bursts of laughter. “Are you serious?” Yes, she was. I don’t normally laugh at people, but since this was Debbie, my closer than a sister best friend, I couldn’t help myself. “Well,” I told her, “it is a long stick with a piece of bent metal on the end of it.” How else would one describe a hoe?

“That’s what I thought. Do I need one of those?” Obviously, this girl is going to need more than a hoe to get her first vegetable garden planted. She needs help, beginning with some basic education.  

Whether the reason is a desire to eat organic or save money, more and more people are looking to their own backyards as a source of food for their families. If you are one of the thousands of first timers planning a garden this year, get the basics down. There’s more to it than turning a little dirt and sowing some seeds.

What You Need

In addition to basic gardening tools, such as a hoe, shovel, rake, and a hand trowel, you may also decide to purchase a hand held cultivator, such as a Garden Claw™. You’ll also need garden soil, compost, mulch and seeds or starter plants. If you’re planning a raised bed garden, you’ll need to purchase supplies to build the beds, or purchase kits that you assemble yourself.  For harvesting, you’ll need a quality pair of garden shears. Your local nursery will also be a great resource for ideas, information and help.

Where to Plant Your Garden

Most people will dedicate a part of their yard for a garden plot, but you don’t necessarily need one. You can tuck food into borders and in between shrubs. I have strawberries growing under my roses, a rosemary hedge along one fence, lettuce and spinach along a pathway in my side yard, as well as herbs bordering my backyard pond. Most plants like a sunny location, however some will do better with partial sun or shade. Always plant your food away from pets for obvious reasons. Click here for more information on where to plant your garden.

Getting Ready

Getting your garden ready to plant is the most tedious part of the job, but the more attention you give it in the beginning, the easier your life will be once the garden is growing. Remove rocks, weeds, grass and roots. Cultivating the ground and adding recommended soil amendments is also worth the time and effort. Click here for more information on soil preparation.

What to Plant and Where to Put It

My best advice is grow what you like to eat, and do your homework. Some plants work well together and some don’t. If you’re working in a small space and want a higher yield, check into companion planting.

Taking Care of Your Garden

Weed control, disease and fungus control, pest control, helping your plants to grow – it is all part of the job. The last thing you want to do is throw chemicals on your food when you have a problem, so please, keep it natural.

Harvesting Your Vegetables

Everything you plant will have a different growing period. Read the back of seed packets, and look for information on the Internet for the specific plants you’re growing. Timing your harvest properly can increase production and give you the best possible flavor and nutrient content. Click her for a list of commonly grown vegetables and when to harvest them.

Preserving Your Vegetables

What you don’t eat, you can put by for later. Knowing how to do that safely will help you prevent food-borne illnesses. Refer to the National Center for Home Food Preservation for specific directions for canning, freezing and drying.

Julie McMurchie is a personal chef, and avid home gardener.