Food can be grown in a yard, raised bed, balcony, patio, container, windowsill, school garden, or community garden.
Start with what your space can realistically support.
☀️ BEFORE YOU PLANT
Figure out:
SUNLIGHT — How many hours of direct sun does the space receive?
SPACE — Ground, raised bed, container, balcony, or indoors?
WATER — Can you water the plants consistently?
SEASON — What grows in your climate right now?
SOIL — Is the soil suitable and safe for growing food?
Your local Cooperative Extension can help answer location-specific growing questions.
🌱 EASY PLACES TO START
Depending on climate and season, beginner-friendly plants can include:
Herbs — basil, parsley, chives, mint
Leafy greens — lettuce, spinach, kale
Radishes
Green onions
Bush beans
Peppers
Cherry tomatoes
Grow foods you'll actually use.
🪴 CONTAINER GARDENING
Containers can make food growing possible without a yard.
Choose containers that:
Have drainage holes Provide enough room for roots Are made from materials appropriate for growing food Can be placed where the plant gets appropriate sunlight
Don't grow food in containers that previously held paint, pesticides, industrial chemicals, fuels, or other hazardous substances.
⚠️ KNOW YOUR SOIL
Urban and older residential soils can sometimes contain contaminants such as lead.
If you're unsure about the history or safety of your soil:
Use raised beds with clean soil Use containers Consider soil testing Contact your local Extension office for guidance
🏘️ NO GROWING SPACE?
Look for:
Community gardens
School gardens
Church + faith-community gardens
Neighborhood gardens
Shared growing spaces
FIND FARMERS MARKETS + COMMUNITY GARDENS →
Link this internally to your PTC Farmers Markets + Local Food page.