I just checked fox farm here is 40 dollars for 1.5sqf. Holy wow
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I never have to fertilize during the first season with a fresh pallet. Always every season after though.
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Soil takes time to ābuildā. You can buy great garden mixes from bulk distributors, but they still lack elements that only time will create. Insect populations. Mycorrhizal fungi. Worms. Etc.
Amending with compost and/or manure on a regular basis encourages the best balance of all the factors that create superbly rich soil. Making your own compost ā year over year ā is a prime way of acquiring that natural black gold.
A mix of 1/3 nitrogen-supplying material (fresh grass clippings is the easiest to obtain) and 2/3 carbon-rich material (collect bags of fall leaves in November) makes tremendous compost. And you usually donāt have to pay a dime for the materials.
I make compost in piles directly on the ground. Some people prefer using composting tumblers, but as far as I am concerned you donāt have enough volume to create the best heat when the composting process is under way.
Iāve been gardening for 50 years. I have never used commercial fertilizers because of the compost I make.
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Some really good advise in this thread!
Iāve tried gardening for years. The one thing to keep i mind is that vegetables donāt produce at the same time. I had 10 broccoli plants but not enough at one time to make for dinner. By the time enough was ready, the first I cut was really wilted.
I have several eggplants but the same. One at a time, lol.
I planted Kale and that grew in abundance. I actually had too much!
Carrots are super easy to grow. So are onions. You can cut an onion leaving the root and replant it. Same with scallions. Potatoes and sweet potatoes are super easy to grow.
Make sure you understand your growing zone and when to plant. Know what plants complement each other for instance (google AI):
Hereās a more detailed look at some of the best companion plants for tomatoes:
Basil: This herb is a classic companion plant for tomatoes. It can help repel pests like aphids, whiteflies, and thrips, and it also enhances the flavor of tomatoes.
Garlic, Onions, Chives: These members of the onion family can help deter pests and diseases like aphids, tomato hornworms, and nematodes.
Marigolds: While the benefits are sometimes misunderstood, marigolds can help deter some pests, like nematodes and whiteflies.
Nasturtiums: These plants act as a ātrap crop,ā attracting pests away from tomatoes.
Sage, Oregano, Thyme: These herbs can repel pests and attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps, which prey on tomato hornworms.
Lettuce: Lettuce and tomatoes can grow well together, especially in containers.
Borage: This herb attracts beneficial insects and may also improve tomato flavor.
Carrots: Carrots are a great companion for tomatoes because they can help break up and aerate the soil, improving root health for the tomato plants.
I always grow herbs. I walk out into my garden and grab what I need which is a great feeling.
Good luck and take some pictures!
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Try to make room for some fruit trees!
This one only took 2 years to start producing apples for me (theyāll be back in stock around the fall, and ship in the early winter).
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Rule-of thumb (in the NE) Tax Day is Planting Day.
A few crops get a second planting in late summer. We call them fall crops.
arugula, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, peas, radishes, spinach, and Swiss chard.
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Fall or spring:
I always recommend radishes and carrots for beginners.
They have a very quick growing season which is great for beginners and there is no damage to picking them too soon or too late.
Spring only:
Zucchinni and cucumbers produce such a bountiful crop youāll be giving them away to neighbors and co-workers. It is always a great feeling when you have such a great bounty.
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Some really great advice here and I am so glad I asked. Going to feed this all into Grok and get myself a plan figured out.
And yes definitely a hobby, no illusions that I have the time or ability to become self sufficient with vegetables.
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There is something to be said about picking fresh veg straight from the garden to tableā¦like tomatoes. 
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You will find it a very satisfying hobby the first time you harvest. For me it always brings back the memories of harvesting my parentās garden as a kid.
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Iāve just recently learned that you have to prune certain plants to increase growth. You can google your plants to see if and where you need to prune.
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I prune tomatoes. And you most def want to prune cucumbers.
Not sure if itās called pruning but you have to trim herbs like dill and parsley before they flower.
I would say thatās deflowering but that canāt be rightā¦ā¦
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I just learned you have to take the flowers off of basil as well. If you donāt they get leggy and the leaves get more bitter than they should be.
BTW, I wrap my corn on the cob with basil before putting them on the grill. If you havenāt tried it, you definitely should!
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In Mother Russia, veggies pickle you.
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Plant tomatoes like Conan suggested, fertilize and water the piss out of them. Youāll be fine, time wise.
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Oh, one more very important thing.
From time to time even the best of us can slip up.
Right now is next yearās summer growing season. Check and make sure the site you have selected gets 9-5 sunlight.
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If you ever need to till or aerate your front yard, just attract a gaze of racoonsā¦Theyāre free.
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Hogs are a bit more efficient.
Restoration wasnāt cheapā¦ 
How can you prevent them from doing it again?
And what were they digging for?
