This guide is just a starting point. Growing food can be remarkably simple but definitely requires some knowledge and tools to get started. If you prefer the nuts and bolts in a PDF Guide, click here!
Module 1: Getting Started
One action you can take: Write down how much sun, shade, water, wind, etc your site gets.
One question you can be thinking about: What is one thing you want to grow that might be suitable for your climate?
Module 2: Soil, Plants, and Tools
One action you can take: buy a couple of bags of high quality potting soil.
One question you can be thinking about: What can you find out about the soil in your local area? Learn more about soil types here.
Module 3: Basic Plant Care
One action you can take: Learn about a vegetable that grows well in your area and in the conditions you’ll be planting it in. For instance, if your garden gets sun in the morning but not in the afternoon, you might consider some plants that can tolerate shade like kale, lettuce, and spinach.
One question you can be thinking about: What things does your chosen vegetable need in order to be successful? Think about light, water, heat, soil conditions that will help it thrive.
Module 4: Pest and Disease Management
(video coming soon!)
- Identifying Common Garden Pests
- Natural Pest Control Methods
- Recognizing and Treating Plant Diseases
- How climate change is impacting pests and disease
Module 5: Garden Design Basics
One action you can take: Sketch out your existing garden layout.
One question you can be thinking about: What are the main focal points in your garden currently?
Conclusion: Keep Learning!
Some possible next steps to continue your food growing journey:
1. Visit the Last Ditch YouTube playlist on Crop Management
2. Visit the growing veggies to learn about specific crops to grow
3. Take a community gardening course
4. Talk to other gardeners and food growers and ask lots of questions!
5. Take notes and make observations
6. Kill your lawn
Last Ditch 