Gardening 101: A beginner's guide to vegetable gardens

April 20, 2021 | Devon Gribble

Mother showing daughters food from vegetable garden

There are so many reasons why you should pick up gardening as a hobby. For starters, it allows you to become one with nature and appreciate the process of growth. It can be both relaxing and a great form of exercise - which is good for your overall wellbeing. Quite literally, you can even taste the fruits of your labour. Safe to say, developing one's green thumb is truly rewarding. If this is your first time venturing into the world of horticulture, be sure you follow these tips below so your buds are in bloom all spring, summer, and fall.

Plan it before you plant it

Tending to a vegetable garden is one of the more common pastimes during the summer. From pots to plots, the manner in which you grow your food is ultimately up to you. However, the location is much more important. Whether they be on your patio or in your yard, ensuring they have exposure to good lighting, an accessible water source, the proper amount of drainage and a healthy dose of soil are four vital factors to seeing those veggies sprout.

Carrots, tomatoes, beans and squash are some of the more popular items of choice for beginners. Whatever you decide to grow, it will mean that much more to you when you eat it and save on groceries. Don't forget that plants thrive at varying times of the year, so do some added research to determine the best root of action for your situation.

No yard? No problem

If your outdoor space is limited or if you'd prefer to keep things going in the winter you can always bring the action indoors. There are all sorts of options and ways for you to go about this too. A kitchen garden can help you grow edible plants like thyme, oregano, and basil. While they may be indoors, treat them as you would an outdoor plant - keeping those four vital factors in mind. Find a window that gives plants plenty of natural light throughout the day and ensure they are able to drain properly. Any household container can facilitate the growth of your veggies but avoid low-grade plastics that break down. If you're looking for a quick and easy option, hydroponic systems are the way to go. While it might cost more to purchase the equipment required, the process yields plants at a much faster rate compare to that of an outdoor garden.

Stock up on the right supplies

Once you have everything planned, ensuring you are equipped to take care of this project will be a must. Whether you need potting soil or a set of garden tools Walmart will help you find anything and everything you need. Not to mention you'll earn 2% back in CAA Dollars on online purchases*. Shop online through the CAA Rewards portal or through the CAA Mobile app to redeem this offer.

Hopefully, these tips help you grow a happy and healthy garden. For more inspiration on a variety of lifestyle topics, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Visit us here for a complete list of our Rewards Partners and the seasons most popular offers.

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