Thinking of starting a garden this spring? No green thumb needed! These simple tips can help you grow your own fruit, veggies, or herbs and save money. Plus, harvesting fresh ingredients for your favorite meals is unbeatable!

If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to starting a garden, follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way.

Select an Ideal Location

Not all locations on your property may be suitable for a garden, so you'll need to choose wisely. In general, ideal garden locations are south-facing and have a flat surface or slight slope. If you don't have a lot of space to work with, consider using portable planter boxes that you can position as needed.

Decide What to Plant

If this is your first time attempting a garden, consider choosing plants that will be easier to grow. Some examples of beginner-friendly fruits and vegetables include:

• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Zucchini
• Berries

If you want to have an easier start, consider growing from seedlings or sprouts rather than seeds. You can typically find some popular fruit and veggie plants already started at your local nursery.

Know When to Water and Weed

Regardless of what you'll be growing, follow the care instructions for each plant you select. Some plants might need to be fertilized and watered more often, whereas others may require less maintenance. Be sure to have a plan to protect any fruits or veggies from rabbits, deer, and other wildlife. A little bit of netting or even crop tents can be highly effective, but there are also repellent sprays that work to deter these animals.

In addition to watering your plants and protecting them from wild animals, you'll need to weed your garden regularly. Unfortunately, weeds can quickly take over a garden and steal important nutrients from your plants, so you'll need to be diligent about this. A great way to keep weeds at bay is to put down a weed barrier before you start your garden, but you should plan to remove weeds by hand at least once per week regardless.

Enjoy the Fruits (or Vegetables) of Your Labor!

When your fruits or veggies are showing signs of ripeness, be sure to harvest them promptly so you can enjoy them at peak freshness. From there, you can enjoy them in a dish or even share your bounty with neighbors!