Start YourOwn GardenGardening is a fun physical activity, providing you with great tasting produce and, ultimately, saves you trips to the store.

Unsure of where to start? Here are a few easy steps to help get you started.

Determine your space.

Before buying plants or seeds, calculate how much space you have (ground or container) that gets adequate sun. Most vegetable plants require at least six hours of light each day.

Know what grows best where.

When buying your plants, ask what varieties will do best in the conditions you have to work with in your planned garden area.

Check the quality of your soil.

Ensure your garden’s soil is loose and free of rocks. If you aren't sure about the quality of soil in your backyard, use a testing kit can help determine if you need to enhance it with any nutrients.

Don’t worry about starting small.

Remember, you don't have start with a large garden with enough produce to fill a farmers market to be successful. Your garden can be as simple as a few window boxes of herbs or a potted tomato plant.

Once you have planted your garden, it is important to keep it healthy! This means weeding, watering and fertilizing. Keep the soil moist by watering your plants routinely. Fertilize occasionally to provide added nutrients. Weed to keep other plants away.

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Additional information and tips on gardening can be found on MU Extension's Master Gardener Core Manual, at https://extension2.missouri.edu/mg5

You will need:� Seeds or starter plants� Fertilizer or compost� Shovel or trowel� Ruler or tape measure� Watering can or hose� Seed markers� Rake� pH testing kit

These fruits, vegetables, and herbs are great for beginning growers in Missouri. Herbs grow well in containers and windowsills. Try fruits or vegetables if you have a small sunny patch in your yard for a garden.

CantaloupeWatermelonStrawberries

BasilCilantroDillMint

OreganoParsleyRosemaryThyme

BeetsBell PeppersCarrotsCucumbersGarlicKaleOkra

PumpkinRadishesSnap PeasZucchiniSquashTomatoes

Vegetables

Herbs

Fruits

Let's Get Growing!

Strive for Wellness® 2021

www.mchcp.org/striveforwellness/index.asp

Reference: “Grow Your Own Food.” Edited by Taylor Wolfram MS, RDN, LDN, Eat Right. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics., Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics , 11 Apr. 2018, www.eatright.org/food/planning-and-prep/eat-right-on-a-budget/grow-your-own-food.Reference: University of Missouri Extension. Vegetable Gardening. Retrieved from https://extension2.missouri.edu/mg5

Garden ideasDon’t have a yard? You can grow a variety of plants and herbs using pots if you have a porch or deck that receives enough sunlight! Ask your garden supply store for recommendations on what works best with your conditions.

Grow an easy herb garden! Fresh herbs can be very expensive at the supermarket. You can grow an inexpensive herb garden by placing a few plants from your garden supply store into a pot or planter. Place on your deck, porch or windowsill. Herbs grow fast and are easy to maintain. Enjoy fresh herbs all season!

I love that my kitchen herb garden spices up a typical weekday dinner. By sprinkling different herbs I get to explore flavor without relying on the salt shaker! ~ MCHCP Dietitian