Are you thinking about starting your own farm or garden? Whether you’ve got a big backyard or just a few pots on a balcony, growing your own food is great way to help the planet, and maybe even join the movement to fight food waste. Plus, it’s quite fun!
At Ten Servings, we’re all about supporting farmers of every kind—especially beginners! So if you’re new to this whole planting thing, we’ve got your back.
Here are 7 easy tips to help you get started and grow with confidence.
1. Start Small (Really Small!)
It’s tempting to go big right away, but trust us—starting small helps you learn without feeling overwhelmed.
Try growing just one or two crops at first. Potatoes are a great beginner option 😉. They’re hardy and super rewarding to harvest! Also, you don’t need to buy land for this!
👉 Watch us plant our first potato crops of the year in this video—and see how easy it can be to get started.
2. Know Your Soil
Healthy soil = healthy plants.
Get familiar with the dirt you’re working with. You can test your soil’s pH level and nutrients with a simple kit from a garden store. Or, add compost to give your soil a nutrient boost—bonus points if you make it from kitchen scraps!
3. Pick the Right Crops
Some crops are easier to grow than others.
Here are a few beginner-friendly options:
- Potatoes (obviously!)
- Lettuce
- Arugula
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Peas
- Green Beans
- Basil
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4. Water Wisely
Plants love water, but they don’t love too much water.
A good rule of thumb: water deeply but less often. This encourages stronger roots. Early morning is the best time to water—your plants will thank you!
5. Keep Pests in Check (Naturally!)
You don’t need to use harsh chemicals to protect your crops if you don’t want to.
Try planting marigolds to deter bugs or spraying plants with a little soapy water (just a few drops of dish soap in water). It’s simple, safe, and keeps things in balance.
6. Be Patient (Really, Really Patient!)
Plants take time to grow.
It might feel slow at first, but trust the process. Every farmer learns by doing—mistakes and all. Celebrate every little sprout and every harvest, no matter the size!
7. Learn from Other Farmers
Whether you’re following just our Ugly Potato adventures or chatting with farmers at a local market, there’s so much to learn from others. Plus, you will be making contacts you might need in the future.
Ask questions, share stories and join communities (like our Ten Servings newsletter!) to stay inspired.
Ready to Get Growing?
Starting your farming journey is exciting—and you don’t have to do it alone!
We know we can all make a difference. Wether you are growing food, reducing your waste or helping feed more people. And you can always count on us to help you do just that. 💚
👉 Want more tips and stories like this? Subscribe to our Newsletter and join the Ten Servings family!
👉 And don’t miss Ugly Potato Day on our website. It’s the day we celebrate all things imperfect—and give back to the community with every item sold.
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