Hey everyone! I'm a beginner gardener in central NJ and I've got two 4x8 ft in-ground beds ready to go. I really enjoy cooking and thought it might be fun to grow some veggies and herbs in my backyard this spring. The area gets plenty of sunlight and we usually get a good amount of rain too. I'm looking for some advice on what would work well for my first attempt. I definitely want to avoid any potential disasters with dead plants! Thanks for any tips you can share! -Miles
3 Answers
Starting with an herb garden is a great idea! Herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, and rosemary are super easy to grow. They thrive in full sun and come back every year, often better than the last. You won't believe how much you'll end up with!
Grow what you actually enjoy eating! If space is a concern, look into vertical gardening options. Oh, and don't skip radishes! They germinate fast and you can eat the greens too. Unique varieties like watermelon radishes can be a fun challenge, plus they taste great roasted!
Definitely consider cherry tomatoes and cucumbers; they're pretty straightforward. Herbs are also a fantastic choice! Just steer clear of brassicas since they can get pesty. Keep it simple for your first try!
Thanks, I love the idea of radishes! I’ll definitely seek out some unique types to try.