If you follow me at all you know that I often write about things happening in my world. Today is no different. With my son in college, I decided it was time to take down the trampoline. It was 14x14 footprint situated in prime space in our backyard. Now that it’s gone my wheels have been spinning on how best to utilize that rubber mulch-filled space.
The truth is, I’d love to have a vegetable garden, but our clay-filled, dry soil and my self-proclaimed black thumb doesn’t make it easy to know where to start.
However, knowing that there’s something deeply healing about placing your hands in the soil and wanting to provide healthy, home-grown food for my family gives me a couple reasons to explore my options. To top it off , I know that a garden will invite me to slow down, be present, and partner with creation. It’s become more than just growing food—it’s about cultivating peace, patience, nourishment, and self-care in its most natural form.
So, if you’ve been feeling that same kind of nudge, this is your invitation to join me…
Let’s walk through how to build a simple backyard vegetable garden, step-by-step, while weaving in beauty, purpose, and a side of self-care.
STEP 1: START WITH YOUR “WHY”Before you buy a single seed or pot, take a moment to pause.
Why do you want to garden?
- To eat cleaner, more nourishing food?
- To spend more time outside?
- To reduce stress and support your mental health?
- To create something meaningful with your hands?
Gardening is an act of self-care. It grounds your nervous system, gives you a sense of accomplishment, and reconnects you with the rhythms of nature.
Let your “why” be the guide in your choices.
STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR GARDEN STYLE
You don’t need a huge yard to start a garden—you just need intention.
Raised Garden Beds (Best for Larger, Deep-Rooted Plants)
Raised beds provide more soil depth and are ideal for vegetables that need space to grow strong roots. Here are some ideas, though they may thrive in a garden bed with well-drained soil, those highlighted can also be planted in pots.
Best for garden beds:
- Eggplant
- Zucchini & Squash
- Onions (white, yellow, red, sweet)
- Cucumbers
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Beets
- Lettuce
- Okra
Container Gardening (Perfect for Flexibility & Small Spaces)
Pots are great if you're just starting out or want something manageable.
Best for pots:
- Herbs (basil, mint, rosemary, thyme)
- Green Onions/Scallions
- Chives
- Spinach
- Swiss Chard
- Radish
- Peas
- Kale
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Bush Beans
Tip: Mint should always go in a pot—it spreads quickly and can take over a garden bed.
STEP 3: PICK THE RIGHT LOCATIONYour garden doesn’t need perfection—just sunlight.
- Aim for 6–8 hours of sunlight daily
- Choose a spot with good drainage or create drainage by adding coarse materials to the bottom – gravel, rocks or large sticks. Make sure you layer landscape fabric over your drainage material to keep the soil from filtering down into the rooks and wash away.
- Keep it easily accessible - you’re more likely to care for it if you can see and/or get to it easily.
Think of this as creating your own little sanctuary—a place you want to visit daily.
STEP 4: THE BUILD
You don’t need anything fancy to get started. Choose the pots you want, and if building a raised bed, here’s a simple guideline.
Materials:
- Untreated wood (cedar is ideal)
- Screws or brackets
- Soil mix (garden soil + compost)
Instructions:
- Build a rectangular frame (4x4 or 4x8 feet is great for beginners)
- Place it directly on grass or soil
- Line the bottom with cardboard (optional—to prevent weeds)
- Add drainage material and a layer of landscape fabric
- Fill with a mix of soil and compost
- Water thoroughly before planting
I’m thinking I’ll probably have a combination of a raised bed and pots. If you don’t want to build your garden bed from scratch there are all sorts of raised bed gardens available to purchase
with and
without covers. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors, too!
STEP 5: CHOOSE PLANTS INTENTIONALLY
This is where many beginners either get overly ambitious… or completely stuck.
So let’s keep this simple and aligned with your self-care mindset:
Your garden should support your life—not stress you out.
Instead of planting “a little of everything,” start by asking:
- What do I already love to eat?
- What do I buy most often at the store?
- What would feel exciting (not overwhelming) to grow?
Choose 4–6 plants max for your first season. This allows you to learn, observe, and enjoy the process without burnout.
Think in terms of nourishment. This is where gardening becomes an extension of your wellness routine. Choose foods that:
- Support your physical health (leafy greens, herbs, antioxidant-rich veggies)
- Inspire home-cooked meals
- Encourage you to slow down and be creative in the kitchen
Give yourself permission to learn. Not everything will thrive—and that’s okay. Gardening, like self-care, is a practice in:
- Patience
- Flexibility
- Letting go of perfection
Some plants will flourish. Others may struggle. But every step teaches you something valuable.
STEP 6: ADD COMPANION PLANTS
This is where your garden becomes both functional and beautiful. Companion plants support growth, repel pests, and attract pollinators.
Best companion plants:
- Marigolds – repel pests and protect vegetables
- Lavender – attracts pollinators and adds calming fragrance
- Basil – improves tomato growth and flavor
- Nasturtiums – act as a trap crop for pests
- Chives – deter harmful insects
Plant these alongside your vegetables to create a thriving, balanced ecosystem. If you’d like more companion plant suggestions you can check out a post I did back in 2024:
Cultivating Wellness through Gardening.
STEP 7: CREATE A SIMPLE CARE ROUTINE
Gardening doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs consistency.
Daily/Weekly Care:
- Water deeply (early morning or evening)
- Check for pests
- Harvest regularly
- Pull weeds as needed
This is your time to slow down. Step outside. Breathe deeply. Say a prayer. Express gratitude.
Let your garden become a space where you reconnect—with yourself and with nature.
STEP 8: PREPARATION
If you’re like me and just starting on a gardening project, know that the intention may be to plant late summer, early fall or wait until next year. However, right now is the perfect time to:
- Build your beds
- Test your soil
- Start composting
- Learn what grows best in your climate
Late Summer/Fall Planting Ideas:
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Beets
- Broccoli/Cauliflower
- Cabbage/Brussel Sprouts
- Arugula
Think of this season as planting seeds not just in the soil—but in your lifestyle.
Gardening reminds us that growth takes time. You can’t rush a seed to sprout—but you can nurture the environment that allows it to thrive.
The same is true for you.
When you nourish your body with whole foods, your mind with stillness, and your spirit with prayer, you create space for real, lasting wellness.
Starting a garden isn’t just about vegetables. It’s about cultivating a life that feels grounded, intentional, and full.
And maybe… this is your season to begin
xoDanette