My First Kitchen Garden: Wins, Losses, & Lessons Learned

This summer, I planted my very first kitchen garden. I had visions of homegrown veggies, fresh herbs, and Instagram-worthy harvests… and while some dreams came true, others were, well, a little messier than expected. All in all though, I would say it was a success! 

The Bullies: Squash and Cucumbers

I quickly learned that squash and cucumbers are the bullies of the garden world. Obnoxious! They spread fast and seemed to take over every inch of space they could reach. If you’re planning a garden, give these guys plenty of room—or risk losing control! I’m not sure I’ll grow squash again, but next summer I will try vertical growing for the cucumbers. 

Persistent Visitors: Animals in My Garden

Don’t underestimate the persistence of a hungry rabbit, squirrel, or deer. We had enclosed beds that my husband built that worked like a charm (almost all summer). We left for a vacation and returned to a ransacked bed with a couple of half eaten sweet potatoes and jalapenos remaining. I’ll be a bit smarter with companion plantings and deterrents next summer. We are surrounded by lots of wildlife, so no plant will ever be truly safe- and I have to accept that. 

The Easy Wins: Peppers, Herbs, and More

Not all was chaos, though! Some plants were downright cooperative. Peppers flourished, herbs grew faster than I could use them, and these successes gave me my first gardening wins. Easy-to-grow veggies like these are perfect for first-time gardeners—they give you confidence and delicious rewards without a fight. Now, I’m convinced I can grow anything.

My Takeaways for Next Year

1. Give aggressive plants space to roam.
   
2. Protect your garden from persistent critters early.
   
3. Start with easy crops to build confidence.
   
4. Expect surprises, learn from mistakes, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself.
   

All in all, my first kitchen garden was a mix of wins, losses, and lessons learned. Next year, I’ll be smarter, better prepared, and maybe just a little less idealistic—but still as excited to dig in.