Guide to Growing a Vegetable Garden

Raised-bed gardening makes it easy to start a vegetable garden just about anywhere. From choosing plants to preparing the soil, this step-by-step guide breaks down the process. With the proper tools, materials, and know-how, anyone can create a successful vegetable garden in their backyard.

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Duration: 2 days

Material

Large steel hardware cloth Mulch Raised garden bed Seeds Vegetable garden soil

Tools

Garden hoe Hand trowel Level Spading fork Staple gun Shovel Garden rake

Picking the Right Plants

1.1 - Head to the local Garden Centre or look online to choose from a wide selection of vegetable seeds or pre-seeded vegetables.
1.2 - Follow this guide to master seedling every time, from planting to transplanting.
1.3 - When sowing, certain dates must be respected in order to maximize the harvest. These calendars indicate which moment to plant vegetable and fine herb seeds, at what depth, and when to transplant them to the garden.

Pro Tip

For those just starting out, the easiest vegetables to grow are chard, zucchini, beans, and kale.

Selecting a Raised Garden Bed

2.1 - Choose from many types of raised garden beds available online or at the nearest RONA.
2.2 - Pick between a wide selection of materials like vinyl and cedar. Vinyl raised garden beds offer fantastic longevity and an array of colour options, while cedar raised garden beds are biodegradable and resistant to rot and weather.
2.3 - A 100-square-foot raised garden bed is a good size to start with. Larger sizes are available for those with more experience.

Selecting a Growing Area

3.1 - The best place to grow a vegetable garden will get plenty of sunlight—at least six hours a day.
3.2 - The amount of space required will depend on the size of the raised garden bed.

Clearing the Ground

4.1 - Use a rake and a shovel to clear away any grass and weeds to prepare for the raised bed.
4.2 - Use a level to check that the ground is even.

Building the Raised Garden Bed

5.1 - Construct the raised garden bed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5.2 - Help prevent weed infiltration by stapling large steel hardware cloth to the underside of the raised garden bed.

Incorporating Nutritious Soil

6.1 - Choose specific vegetable soil, as it will have the nutrients needed for healthy plant growth.
6.2 - Don’t hesitate to ask a specialist at your local RONA Garden Centre for assistance!
6.3 - Use a spading fork to help loosen the soil and better integrate the nutrients for greater root penetration.

Planting the Vegetables

7.1 - Before starting to dig, plan out where the different vegetables will be planted.
7.2 - Vegetable size will determine how much space each seed or pre-seeded plant requires.
7.3 - Make sure to read the back of the seed packet for specific instructions.

Adding Mulch and Watering

8.1 - Mulch is important for a vegetable garden because it deters the growth of weeds and protects plant roots from extreme temperatures.
8.2 - Vegetable plants need frequent watering for robust and healthy growth.

Pro Tip

A simple way to ensure that a garden is getting enough water is by installing an irrigation system. Drip irrigation tools are a recommended option.

Guide to Growing a Vegetable Garden

Picking the Right Plants

Pro Tip

Selecting a Raised Garden Bed

Selecting a Growing Area

Clearing the Ground

Building the Raised Garden Bed

Incorporating Nutritious Soil

Planting the Vegetables

Adding Mulch and Watering

Pro Tip

Suggested products

Gazebos and pergolas

Outdoor power equipment

Barbecues and smokers

Guide to Growing a Vegetable Garden

Picking the Right Plants

Pro Tip

Selecting a Raised Garden Bed

Selecting a Growing Area

Clearing the Ground

Building the Raised Garden Bed

Incorporating Nutritious Soil

Planting the Vegetables

Adding Mulch and Watering

Pro Tip

Suggested products

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Vegetable and Fresh Herb Sowing Calendar

How to Grow Your Own Seedlings in a Few Simple Steps

How to choose the perfect gardening tools

Gazebos and pergolas

Outdoor power equipment

Barbecues and smokers