Looking to save some money and start harvesting your produce right from your own backyard vegetable garden?
Making the move from recreational spring and summer gardening to growing a high percentage of your family’s fresh produce year-round requires careful planning. But the end results are well worth the time and effort.
For example, depending on the size of your family and your current vegetable garden layout, you may need to add more planting real estate to accommodate the crops you intend to grow.
In this article, we’ll cover all the basics you need to know if you’re seriously considering feeding your family year-round with veggies you’ve grown yourself. We’ll walk you through …
- Recommended garden size
- which crops to plant
- how to get the most from your plot
- How to preserve your extra harvest so nothing goes to waste
It’s time to make your green thumb a little greener.
How Big Should Your Vegetable Garden Be?
Good question. And the unsatisfying answer is … it depends.
Generally speaking,200 square feet of garden space per personwill allow for a harvest that feeds everyone year-round.
For an average family of four, plan for an 800 square-foot garden—a plot that’s 20 feet by 40 feet in size should do the trick. If your family is larger (or smaller),scale up or downas needed.
Also, keep in mind that some crops take up more space than others. If you’re planning to grow Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or large varieties of melons or squash, plan on a few extra square feet.
How Much Should You Plant?
How much to plant depends on the specific types of veggies you and your family like. A single plant can produce a lot or a little, depending on the type.
That said, here are some things to consider as you plan out your garden.
Plant More of What Your Family Likes
This first tip is a little obvious, but worth including. If you know your kids love carrots, plant plenty of them.
Focusing on the things you know your family likes makes it far less likely that you’ll end up with wasted produce.
Branch Out a Little
While you should definitely plant things you know your family already likes, don’t be afraid to branch out a little into some more exotic varieties, too.
This is sound advice, even if your household includes some picky eaters. After all, turning gardening into a family affair often convinces veggie haters to try new foods.
Consider Your Climate
If you live in a part of the country that experiences especially cold weather, you may not be able to grow anything for a decent part of the year. You’ll want to take that into account.
One way to overcome cold weather challenges is to preserve some of your summer crop. If you plan to preserve any of your harvest, you’ll want to add a few extra plants.
How Much to Plant of the Most Popular Veggies
Here’s a list of popular vegetables and an estimate of how many plants to sow for a family of four.
- Beets – a 20- to 30-foot-long row
- Bell peppers – 10 to 15 plants
- Broccoli – 12 to 15 plants
- Carrots – a 12- to 16-foot-long row
- Corn – 40 to 50 plants
- Cucumbers – 4 to 6 plants or 2 to 4 vines
- Eggplant – 6 to 8 plants
- Kale – a 15- to 20-foot-long row
- Lettuce – a 20- to 30-foot-long row
- Melons – 4 to 6 plants
- Potatoes – 40 to 50 plants
- Spinach – a 30- to 40-foot-long row
- Squash – 4 to 6 plants
- Tomatoes – 5 to 8 plants
- Zucchini – 4 to 8 plants
How Do You Get the Most from Your Garden?
Seasonal yield depends on several factors, including the quality of both the seeds and the soil, proper plant spacing, adequate water and the weather.
You can’t control the weather, but there are things you can do to maximize your garden’s production throughout the year.
Plant Again and Again
As soon as one crop is harvested and is no longer producing,pull it out of the garden and plant something else in its place.
Stagger plantings by two or three weeks to extend the harvest, and plant different varieties of the same crop that mature at different times. This is known assuccession planting.
Depending on the length of your growing season, you may have to be strategic in choosing plants for a second (or even third) planting.
If your second or third planting occurs toward the end of the season, opt for cool-weather crops such as leafy greens, broccoli or root vegetables. Look for varieties that grow quickly or will overwinter and produce in the early spring (if your climate allows).
Try Intercropping
Intercropping, or planting crops of varying sizes and growth rates together, is a vegetable garden design technique often used by gardeners who are trying to maximize yield in a small space.
Give it a try in your larger garden.
While your Brussels sprout plants are maturing, for instance, make use of the ample space between them to grow a quick crop of radishes or salad greens.
Harvest Early and Consistently
Gently harvesting produce early typically results inhigher-yielding plants. Get in the habit of picking vegetables once per day or every couple of days.
Grow Vegetables Suited to Your Area
Be mindful of theUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone Mapwhen you select seeds and plants for your garden. If your climate is prone to weather extremes, some less hardy vegetables may simply not be worth the trouble.
Most large state universities have active agricultural extensions. These are a wealth of information for new and experienced gardeners. Talk to other gardeners nearby or contact your county extension for advice on tried-and-true crops for your area.
How Can I Preserve My Harvest?
If you anticipate a harsh winter, there are plenty of ways to preserve your harvest to ensure homegrown vegetables through the winter and early spring.
Freezing
This is the easiest option, and it doesn’t require any special equipment.
Freeze diced vegetables and fruits in a single layer on a baking sheet. Then divide them up into individual serving sizes before transferring them to freezer bags.
Canning
A time-honoredfood preservation method, canning requires some know-how to do it safely.
Luckily, there are plenty of resources available to teach you what you need to know—you may even be able to find an in-person class near you.
Drying
Although a little less common,dryingis another simple way to preserve your harvest.
Dried foods are lightweight and don’t take up much space. Plus, you won’t have to worry about them if your power goes out for an extended period of time.
Wrapping Up
Gardening to feed your family year-round is incredibly rewarding.
The key is tostart early and have a plan in mind. If all goes well, you’ll be enjoying garden-fresh produce until it’s time to plant next spring’s seedlings.
