A home garden can be a fantastic way to grow nutritious food and enjoy a rewarding hobby with your family. Vegetable gardens can take many forms, from large plots to raised beds, container gardens, or even small herb gardens. No matter the size or type, there are a few key things to consider if you want a successful harvest in 2025.
First is site preparation and garden planning. Most vegetable plants need at least 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day, so select a sunny area with well-drained soil. Heavy clay soils can be beneficial as they hold water and nutrients longer than sand or loam soils, but long-term you may need to work on improving soil texture by adding organic matter and reducing compaction for your garden to thrive. Always conduct a soil test and make corrections to pH and fertility as recommended – vegetable gardens need a pH between 6-6.5. Depending on what you intend to grow, you may need to split your fertilizer application throughout the season.
You will most likely want to irrigate your garden, so close proximity to water is important – and keeping your garden conveniently near the house makes it easier to manage and maintain. Vegetable gardens need consistent moisture which is typically achieved by soaking the soil thoroughly once per week. Be sure to water early in the morning to allow foliage to dry off quickly, reducing disease pressure, especially as it gets hot and humid outside. The use of drip irrigation or soaker hoses can help deliver water directly to the base of your plants without wetting the foliage (leaves).
Once you select a site for your garden, decide what you plan to grow and how you’ll arrange the garden itself. Tall-growing crops should go on the north or west side of the garden so they do not shade out lower-growing plants. Maintain an accurate map of what you plant and where so that you can rotate your vegetable crops from year to year in efforts to reduce disease problems.
Selecting the right varieties of vegetables is key to a productive garden. Varieties, or cultivars, differ in traits like size, water needs, and resistance to pests and diseases. For best results, choose varieties tested and recommended for Georgia, such as those listed in UGA’s Circular 963: Vegetable Planting Chart. This guide also provides information on when to plant, how much space each crop needs, and how long it takes to harvest. If you want to experiment with other varieties, try growing them on a small scale first to see how they perform in your garden.
When starting your garden, you can grow plants from seeds or buy young plants (starters). If you choose seeds, purchase high-quality ones from a reputable supplier, and make sure they are suitable for your growing region. For beginners or those short on time, healthy starter plants can be a great option. Look for vibrant, pest-free plants with no signs of disease, like yellowing leaves or stunted growth. Both seeds and starters can produce excellent results if you give them proper care and attention.
If you’re thinking of starting a vegetable garden this year, our Extension offices are here to help. Please contact us at uge3181@uga.edu or 706-359-3233 to speak with your county agent. Alternatively, visit the UGA Publications website https://extension.uga.edu/publications.html to find additional information on vegetable gardening and other topics.