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Preparedness Hub / ๐ŸŒฑ Self-Sufficiency

Start a Vegetable Garden

Growing even a little food builds skill, saves money, and adds fresh nutrition. Start small and expand as you learn โ€” the Cowichan Valley's mild climate is generous.

Key takeaways

  • Begin with a few easy, high-yield crops.
  • Good soil and sun matter more than garden size.
  • Containers work if you have no yard.

Step-by-step

  1. Pick a sunny spot. Most vegetables want 6+ hours of sun. A few pots on a balcony can work too.
  2. Build the soil. Mix compost into beds or use quality potting soil in containers.
  3. Grow easy wins. Start with lettuce, kale, beans, zucchini, and herbs โ€” forgiving and productive.
  4. Water and harvest. Water consistently and pick often to keep plants producing.

โœ… Printable checklist

  • Sunny spot or containers chosen
  • Compost / quality soil added
  • Easy starter crops selected
  • Watering routine set
  • Seeds or seedlings on hand

Next guides to read

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