Hi Amanda!

First thing you need to do is find some organic seeds or starts. Sometimes these can be found at a local nursery so head to one and ask one of the workers.

Next your going to want to prepare your area for planting. So your going to need some organic compost or fertilizer, once again ask your local nursery about this.

You want to make sure that you till your soil and then do it again once you apply the fertilizer. This is great for breaking up the soil and also for mixing the soil and fertilizer together.

You might want to check out using a biological pesticide known as Bacillus thuringiensis which is non toxic. You do want your garden to be organic right? Using harmful pesticides which contain chemicals would not be good for this.

This is some general information on getting your organic vegetable garden started. Hope this helps you, just remember that it takes pratice and the best way to learn is with experience. So don’t give up if your first garden does not turn out that great, you will get the hang of it!

Hey Amanda, congratulations on deciding to begin vegetable gardening! The following is a lengthy but, I hope, useful answer. You can start right now!

First, what kind of garden style do you want to use?
Here are two easy styles which might work for you.

The first is square foot gardening…this style allows you to really maximize space, concentrate your soil improvement only where you need it and eliminate the need for any tools other than a shovel, garden trowel and bucket. No need for any expensive equipment!

The other garden style is called a circle garden. This garden has a compost pile in the center of a circular garden. As the compost decomposes, rain moves the nutrients to the outer garden area for plant nourishment. This garden is called a no work garden.

Both of these gardens, as I use them are raised bed gardens. Here are some photos of my first year, 2008 gardens; circle garden with square foot gardens with corn growing in the back ground in the spring of 08…
square foot gardens earlier in the year.

Here are links to directions for a circle garden and a link to the garden web’s square foot gardening forum; Circle garden directions:
Square foot gardening forum:

Once a garden syle is selected then soil should be tested to determine any nutrient requirements. Here is a link which provides contact information for getting your soil tested.

You can make a great organic soil mix…use Mel’s mix if you have any doubt about your soil. Here is a helpful link:#%203:%20MEL’S%20MIX

Deciding your garden style and soil requirements are the preliminaries required before planting. Now you can start selecting vegetable types for your new garden. Here is an list of easy to grow vegetables which you might like to try.

Just as soon as you can work the soil.

Peas: A tasty springtime vegetable.

Onion and Garlic sets (bulbs): Here in NC Zone 8 also, they are very easy to grow from sets. If you prefer to use onion seed give a little protection under plastic sheeting or cheese cloth.

Give these vegetables some early spring protection with some cheese cloth or plastic sheeting. Sow the seed in the ground.

Lettuce: Purple varieties are interesting. Try a mesclun mix for a variety of baby lettuce. Plant a little and plant often for a continuous supply of tender lettuce.

Radish: Plant a few and plant often for a continual supply of these tasty salad vegetables.

Swiss chard: A great addition to a spring or fall garden. Tastes better, to me anyway, after a frost.

Beets: A fantastic vegetable that brings a vibrant color and healthy addition to the dinner plate.

After all danger of frost has passed plant these vegetables. Save some money by starting your plants indoors in a sunny spot from seed.

Carrot: The seed takes a while to germinate. You’ll need soil that is not compacted so that the
roots can grow deeply.

Green Beans: Try some Italian purple bush beans…purple when you pick them and green when they are cooked.

Okra: An old Southern favorite which puts the gumbo (African for okra) in that famous Southern stew.

Yellow Squash: For some reason nearly everyone craves yellow squash in the early summer. Superb sauteed with a bit of bacon and some green onions.

Zuchinni Squash: Really prolific. Don’t plant to much or your neighbors will be running away when they see you coming with more squash to give away!

Sweet Pepper: Bell peppers…usually prolific, can be frozen. Stuffed peppers or for salad. You just can’t miss.

Cherry Tomatoes: Set out seedlings when there is no danger of frost.

Good Luck,
Carolinajim