Spring is the ideal time to plant a vegetable garden.

Starting a garden may seem a little daunting, but if you use the tips below, you will have a beautiful, bountiful garden to share with your friends and family in no time!

1. Decide how big your garden will be.

If this is your first garden, 16x10 feet may be a good size plot to start. If you do not have that much space, perhaps you want to make two smaller plots in different areas of your property or use planting boxes on your porch.

No matter what kind of space you are thinking, be sure to plan it before you buy your seeds, plants, and soil.

2. Spot the sun.

When choosing where to place your garden, keep in mind that vegetables need 6-8 hours of sun per day. Make sure the area gets a good amount of sunlight.

3. Start with easy vegetables.

You may want to reach out to the local cooperative extension and ask what plants grow best in your geographical area. Some good vegetables to start with could include tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, beets, chard, carrots, zucchini, squash, and radishes.

4. Grow in season.

Do some research — different vegetables grow more productively different months. You want to set yourself up for success! Great spring vegetables to plant are chard, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, and peppers.

5. Watch the trees.

Nearby trees can steal nutrients from the vegetables you are trying to grow.

6. Feed your plants “vegetable soup”

The next time you boil or steam vegetables, pour the water on your garden. You will be shocked how your plants with flourish.

7. Stick to a schedule.

Make a watering schedule and stick to it. Vegetables need at least 1 inch of water per week.

8. Mark your plants.

Find a stone with a flat surface and write the name of the fruits or vegetables you planted with a permanent marker. This is much more stylish than using the plastic markers that come with the plants.

9. Ask the experts.

If you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to ask the person working at your local garden center! They are the experts and will be able to give you gardening tips specific to your area, help you choose what plants will grow the best in your climate, and make sure you have all the tools and soil you are going to need!