Vegetable Gardening for Beginners: A Simple Guide to Growing Vegetables at Home

by Jill McSheehy

Overview

Grow a flourishing vegetable garden this summer with the ultimate guide to gardening for beginners.

Gardeners never forget the first time they enjoyed a ripe, juicy tomato plucked straight from the vine or savored a crisp, fresh salad made with ingredients from their backyard. Start growing your first crop today with Vegetable Gardening for Beginners. Taking up vegetable gardening can be a worthwhile summer activity, and an ideal summer hobby for people of all ages.

Host of The Beginner's Garden podcast Jill McSheehy offers simple guidance to first-time gardeners who will be amazed at how easy it can be to create a thriving garden.

Build the ideal foundation with clear instructions for constructing raised beds, preparing containers, and mixing healthy soil.

Pick the perfect plants with in-depth profiles that detail how to grow beloved culinary plants, from peppery arugula to cool melons and fragrant rosemary.

Nurture a budding garden with this reference for pairing up companion plants, watering and mulching, handling pests, and maintaining plants year-round.

Start your own vegetable garden with the easy-to-follow guidance from Vegetable Gardening for Beginners.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781646115389
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	06/17/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	166
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Jill McSheehy is a self-taught gardener and creator of The Beginner’s Garden Podcast where she teaches thousands of beginning gardeners how to grow their own vegetables, fruit, and herbs. Jill, her husband, and their two children live on 3 acres in Russellville, Arkansas. Connect with her on her website, journeywithjill.net.

Table of Contents

Introduction viii

Part 1 A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting and Sustaining a Vegetable Garden 1

Chapter 1 An Introduction to Vegetable Gardening 3

Chapter 2 Planning Your Vegetable Garden 19

Chapter 3 Building Your Vegetable Garden 37

Chapter 4 Planting Your Vegetable Garden 51

Chapter 5 Maintaining and Harvesting Your Vegetable Garden 63

Part 2 Vegetables and Herbs to Grow and Enjoy All Year Round 74

Chapter 6 Cool-Season Vegetables 77

Chapter 7 Warm-Season Vegetables 105

Chapter 8 Alliums and Herbs 129

Zone Map 149

Resources 150

References 151

Index 152

Editorial Reviews

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners is a truly EPIC resource for a new veggie gardener. Jill and I have a lot in common as gardeners, and I couldn't recommend her work more to someone who's trying to get their first garden in the ground.” —Kevin Espiritu, founder of Epic Gardening

“A must have! Whether you have a green thumb or have never planted a seed, this book will educate and delight, ultimately guiding you to success. It’s incredibly detailed—covering every aspect of gardening—but also very easy to understand. In today's world of food uncertainty, food deserts, and the drive for healthy and sustainable food, this book is a must for anyone looking to dig into the wonderful world of gardening!” —Nicole Gennetta, Heritage Acres Market (HeritageAcresMarket.com) and Backyard Bounty Podcast

“Vegetable Gardening for Beginners is the fast track to garden success. Encouraging, clear, and simple steps will give you the tools and the confidence you need as a new gardener. Jill’s skill in teaching beginners is so good you won’t be a beginner for long!” —Becky Porter of theseasonalhomestead.com

From the Publisher