Happy first day of Spring! The East Austin homes of Whisper Valley will be the perfect place to start a spring garden—and you don’t even need to have a green thumb! In fact, Whisper Valley will have community gardens that will be perfect for growing your own fruits and vegetables. Here are a few guidelines you should follow in order to start a spring garden:

Start Small

While you may be excited to start growing a variety of vegetables in your own spring garden, as a beginner, the best method is to start with the basics. Plant only a few crops to help ease yourself into the practice and to make sure you won’t have more produce than you can handle! Keep your garden around 16×10 feet and pick easy crops, like tomatoes, zucchini, radish, potatoes, or strawberries.

Sun, Soil and Seeds

To start a spring garden and yield a successful harvest, you’ll want to remember these important necessities: Sunlight, soft soil, and high-quality seeds. Your crops will need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day—the more, the better. You’ll also want to keep your soil in good condition by enriching it with compost and making sure the soil has proper drainage. While seed packets seem like a good start for beginners, there is a chance they might not germinate and your efforts will go to waste. Invest in individual plants to start a spring garden and produce more successful results.

Be Patient and Careful

Water your seedlings daily, but taper off as the plants get larger. In the Texas heat, it’s best to water your garden earlier in the morning to minimize evaporation. Pull weeds as they appear and fertilize the soil halfway through the season. Once your veggies and fruits are ready, be sure to pick daily to keep the harvest going!

The community gardens near Whisper Valley’s East Austin homes will allow you to grow your own vegetables. And if you’re new to urban farming, our experts will be happy to help you! For more information about starting a spring garden, click here.