Posted on April 3, 2020

From Farm To Table At Home

At The Beaumont Inn, we all have a green thumb. Last year, we had more than 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables planned for the garden as we’re always trying to improve and offer more foods grown right on our land. This year, you may be thinking about starting your own garden. We want to share our expertise with you, so you can have that farm to table feel, right in your own backyard.

The Basics of Starting a Vegetable Garden

Gardening may seem like you just plant some seeds or pre-started plants and let them do their thing. The reality can not be farther from the truth. While it takes time, gardening is very rewarding and can yield a plentiful harvest for your family. So, let’s dig into the basics. 

Location

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, most vegetables need at least six hours of sunlight each day. That’s why you need to think about your location carefully. You’ll want to plot your garden in a sunny spot, with good soil and a stable environment. This may sound like a lot, so let’s break it down.

  1. If it floods, it’s not the place for a garden.
  2. If it has no protection from wind, it’s not a suitable plot.
  3. If the soil is rocky, it will not be fruitful.

Pro tip: enrich your soil with compost to give your vegetable plants their fair shake at prospering.

Size of the Plot

As you look at your yard, you may think, easy-peasy. But, we encourage you to plant with caution and start small if this is your first time gardening. A small garden that does well is better than a large garden that becomes overgrown and unmanageable–or worse, doesn’t yield a crop.

A plot at 16×10 feet will allow you to plant enough vegetables for a family of four, without becoming overwhelming.

Now that you have your plot and soil in the best spot, let’s talk about planting those vegetables.

How to Plant Vegetables for a Bountiful Harvest

When it comes to a flourishing garden, timing is everything. The Farmer’s Almanac has a great planting calendar for you to utilize which shows when you should begin your garden.

Along with the time of year, you also need to think about how you are gardening. Here are some tips:

  • Space out your plants. Take a look at the recommendations on spacing for certain plants as they may need more or less depending on their roots and size.
  • Get the best quality. Whether you are starting from seed or with starting plants, pick the highest quality.
  • Water. You need water to survive and so do your vegetables. Make sure you follow the guidelines on watering your plants so they get just the right amount.

If this is your first time gardening, you may not be sure what to even plant. Start with the basics that you and your family will actually want to enjoy.

We suggest tomatoes, zucchini, and lettuce!

We hope that as the warm, spring weather continues to infiltrate the Back Mountain, you take time outside to get fresh air and start your own farm to table journey. Welcome to the green thumb club!

arrow-up