Beginner’s Guide to Kitchen Gardens with FAQ

Woman is planting vegetables and herbs in raised kitchen garden.

Last Updated April 10, 2023

You may have heard the term ‘Kitchen Garden’ but are not sure what it involves or how to start one of your own. A kitchen garden is a great way to get fresh, organic produce right at your fingertips. Kitchen gardens are small gardens either inside the kitchen or just outside it. The goal of a kitchen garden is to grow fresh herbs and vegetables that you can eat as you go. This is different from a standard vegetable garden, which is more often designed for canning and preserving purposes. If you've been thinking about adding a kitchen garden to your home or yard, where is the best place to start? This beginner's guide will answer all of your questions and give you some helpful tips on getting started. Plus, we've included a list of FAQs that will help you take your kitchen gardening skills to the next level!

Interior Kitchen Gardening

If you live in an apartment or condo, or if you simply don't have the space for a traditional garden, don't worry! You can still enjoy all the benefits of fresh produce by growing your kitchen herb garden indoors. The key to successful indoor gardening is to choose the right plants. Look for herbs and vegetables that are known to be good candidates for indoor growing, such as basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, lettuce, and tomatoes. You'll also want to make sure you have plenty of sunlight and a good drainage system.

Exterior Kitchen Gardening

If you have a little more space to work with, consider starting an exterior kitchen garden. This is a great option if you want to grow larger plants or if you want to take advantage of the warmer temperatures. When choosing plants for your exterior garden, make sure to select varieties that are known to do well in your climate and in your region. You'll also want to consider the amount of sunlight and shade that your garden gets throughout the day.

What to Grow

Now that you know where to start, it's time to choose what to grow! When selecting plants for your kitchen garden, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, think about the types of foods that you and your family enjoy eating. Do you love fresh tomatoes? Would you like to have herbs on hand for cooking? Which might be easy herbs to grow at home? Are there any secrets to growing herbs outdoors or finding herbs that grow in the shade? The fact is that many great varieties can be grown indoors, outdoors, sun, or shade – so choose what you love! You might also think about mixing in some flowers that will act as natural insect deterrents.

Related Topic: Garden Edging Ideas for a Tidy Garden

Next Up: Garden Weed Control

Now that you know the basics, you have everything you need to get started on your kitchen garden! But along with planning what you grow, it’s also important to plan for garden weed control. If it seems like maintaining your garden might be too much, or if you just want some help, contact The Grounds Guys. We’re pros when it comes to keeping your garden and the rest of your property looking good. To learn more about our quality weed control and fertilization services give us a call or request an estimate online today!

Kitchen Garden FAQ's

What is in a kitchen garden? A kitchen garden is a small garden, either inside the house or just outside, and typically consists of fresh herbs and vegetables. The types of herbs and vegetables grown in a kitchen garden are designed for immediate consumption.

What is the difference between a kitchen garden and a vegetable garden?

A kitchen garden is designed to provide fresh produce that can be eaten as it is harvested, while a vegetable garden is more often for canning and preserving purposes. A kitchen garden can also be grown indoors or outdoors, while traditional vegetable gardens are almost always grown outdoors.

Why is it called a kitchen garden?

The term "kitchen garden" is derived from the French phrase jardin des simples, which means "garden of simples." This term refers to the kinds of basic, fresh ingredients typically grown in a kitchen garden.

What is a potager garden?

A potager is a type of kitchen garden that is laid out in a symmetrical design and usually has a variety of herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Potager gardens are also sometimes called "knot gardens" because of the way the plants are arranged in a series of small beds.

What is good about having a kitchen garden?

Kitchen gardens provide fresh, organic produce that is convenient and often less expensive than purchasing from the store. In addition, growing your food can be a fun and rewarding hobby.

Where should a kitchen garden be?

A kitchen garden can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on your space and climate. An indoor kitchen garden could be located on a windowsill, while an outdoor garden could be in a sunny spot in your yard. If you have a larger yard, you may want to consider an exterior garden.

What kinds of vegetables are planted in the kitchen garden?

The type of vegetables you grow in your kitchen garden will depend on your personal preferences. Some popular choices include tomatoes, herbs, lettuce, and peppers.

What kinds of herbs are planted in the kitchen garden?

Like vegetables, the best herbs to grow in your kitchen garden should be based on your taste and usage. The good news is that growing herbs can be easy and fun! Common herbs for the kitchen garden include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Other herbs you can grow in a kitchen garden include cilantro, chives, and parsley.

Why is a kitchen garden important?

A kitchen garden is important because it provides fresh, organic produce that is convenient and often less expensive than purchasing from the store. In addition, growing your food can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Kitchen gardens also provide a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.