How to Start a Garden in Your Backyard
Growing your own food may feel intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you have a small backyard, a balcony, or even just a few sunny windows, you can start a garden that nourishes your family and connects you to the earth. Urban farming is about making the most of the space you have, choosing the right crops, and building a system that’s sustainable for both you and the environment.
Step 1: Understand Your Soil (or Containers!)
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. If you have garden space, start by testing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels—this helps you know if amendments like compost or organic fertilizer are needed. If you’re working with limited space, container gardening is a fantastic alternative. Use pots, raised beds, or even repurposed wooden crates. Make sure your containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogged roots.
Tip: Oklahoma soil can be clay-heavy, so mixing in compost or coconut coir can improve aeration and water retention.
Step 2: Choose Seasonal Crops
Timing is everything in gardening. Oklahoma’s climate can be hot and dry in the summer, and cold in the winter, so selecting crops that thrive in each season will increase your chances of success.
Spring: Lettuce, spinach, radishes, peas, broccoli
Summer: Tomatoes, peppers, okra, beans, zucchini
Fall: Kale, carrots, beets, cabbage
Winter: Garlic, onions, hardy greens (with protection if needed)
Start small with easy-to-grow vegetables and herbs, like cherry tomatoes, basil, and green beans. These crops are forgiving and give you confidence as a beginner.
Step 3: Water Wisely
Watering may seem simple, but it’s crucial for healthy plants. Here are a few tips for sustainable watering in Oklahoma:
Deep & Infrequent: Water deeply once or twice a week instead of shallow daily watering. This encourages roots to grow deeper.
Morning Watering: Watering in the morning reduces evaporation and allows plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day.
Mulch Matters: A layer of mulch around your plants keeps soil cool, retains moisture, and prevents weeds.
Collect Rainwater: If possible, use rain barrels to capture and reuse water sustainably.
Step 4: Maintain & Harvest
Gardening is all about consistent care. Remove weeds, check for pests, and rotate crops each season to maintain soil health. When your plants are ready, harvest regularly many vegetables produce more when picked frequently.
Step 5: Enjoy the Benefits
A backyard garden is an opportunity to teach kids about nature, create a beautiful outdoor space, and take part in a larger movement toward food sovereignty. By growing your own produce, you gain fresh, flavorful food while reducing your carbon footprint and connecting with your community.
Urban farming is for everyone, no matter the size of your space or your experience level. With a little planning, care, and patience, you can transform your backyard, or even just a few containers into a thriving mini-farm that feeds your family and nourishes your soul.
