Choose a location with at least 6–8 hours of sun daily and good drainage
Test your soil and amend based on results (add compost as a general improvement)
Decide what to grow based on your climate, season length, and available space
Plan your layout: rows, beds, or containers; group plants by water and sunlight needs
Start seeds indoors for cool-season crops or start with transplants for warm-season crops
Prepare beds by removing weeds, loosening soil, and mixing in compost
Create raised beds if drainage or soil quality is poor
Space plants according to seedling/transplant labels and allow airflow
Water deeply and consistently; use drip irrigation or a soaker hose if possible
Apply mulch to retain moisture, reduce weeds, and moderate soil temperature
Fertilize based on soil needs; use compost and/or a balanced vegetable fertilizer
Use row covers or netting for pest protection and to extend season timing
Monitor regularly for weeds, pests, and diseases; remove problems early
Thin seedlings to recommended spacing
Harvest often to encourage continued production
Keep a simple garden calendar for planting, feeding, and harvesting dates
Plan for succession planting for continuous harvests
Rotate crops each season to reduce soil-borne disease and nutrient depletion