So You Want to Start a Garden? Let’s Dig In!

Photo by YEA team member.

By. Jennilee Mirtil

Alright, let’s talk gardens. Not the fancy, perfectly clean kind you see in magazines. I’m talking about real, messy, deliciously homegrown food right in your backyard, balcony, or even a windowsill. With food prices climbing like they’re training for a triathlon, there’s no better time to grow your own groceries. And guess what? It’s easier (and cheaper) than you think.  

 The “You Can Totally Do This” Gardening Kit: 

- Seeds – Pick what you actually like to eat. Tomatoes? Peppers? Herbs that make you feel like a chef?  

- Dirt (or any grow medium) – If you’ve got soil, great. If not, there are other options like coconut coir or even water for hydroponic setups.  

- Water – Plants drink just like we do. Keep ‘em hydrated, but don’t drown them.  

- Light – Sun is free. A sunny windowsill, balcony, or a grow light works too.  

City or Suburbs? No Problem.  

If you’ve got a backyard, grow wild with raised beds, in-ground planting, or whatever works. Apartment living? No excuses! Containers, window boxes, and even hanging planters can turn your small space into a mini farm.  

Why Start Now?  

Because food is expensive, and nothing beats eating something you grew yourself. On average, a home garden can save you $600 or more per year compared to buying the same produce at a store (First Florida). Plus, for just $70 to $200, you can start a garden that produces hundreds of dollars worth of food annually (Our Frugal Florida Homestead).

And if you’re in Florida, you’re in luck—our climate means year-round growing! Check out this Vegetable Planting Guide for South Florida, to see what to plant and when.  

Photo by YEA team member.

Want to dig deeper?

Discover the vibrant world of gardening with YEA, where we specialize in crafting lush food forests and unique garden experiences. Our array of fun and engaging gardens includes the popular pizza garden, teeming with fresh tomatoes, fragrant oregano, and aromatic basil. In addition to this, we offer medicinal gardens, pollinator gardens, and numerous other exciting options to explore! Worried about limited space? Fear not! We also provide classes on creating thriving wildlife corridors right on your back porch.

Go on, get your hands dirty!