Whether you’re searching for a hobby or a new way to be more sustainable, cultivating a vegetable garden will grant you satisfaction in addition to fresh produce. If you’re excited to show off your homegrown veggies but are unsure where to begin, consider starting with these seedlings.

3 Vegetables to Plant in Your First Garden

1. Zucchini

Many gardeners in Ohio yield a bumper crop from their zucchini plants toward the end of summer. You don’t need to plant many; one plant produces many squashes. If you choose to plant more than one, stagger planting times to avoid yielding an overwhelming number at once. Space each seed 2 feet away from other plants to avoid crowding and improper air circulation. They require full sun, and the seeds do well when planted after the last frost of season—but they flourish if planted after temperatures are stably in the 70s.

2. Carrots

Because carrots grow downwards, you need to ensure there is a path for them to follow. Till the row you want to use for carrots, and remove any rocks or clumps you find in the soil. If the root vegetable hits these obstructions, it will either fork to grow around the impediment or begin to expand outwards instead of down. Similarly, use light, loose soil in your garden to encourage growth beneath the surface. After planting, the seeds will take two to three weeks to germinate. During this time, keep the soil moist with frequent shallow watering instead of deep hydration.

3. Tomatoes

Tomatoes needs a lot of sunlight to thrive. They’ll need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. To aid this during infancy, most gardeners begin plants inside and then transplant them. Before transplanting, you’ll need a tomato cage or stake in the soil to support the plant as it grows. Secure this in the ground before planting to avoid accidental root damage. Water plants deeply to help roots take hold in the new surroundings.

For those looking to start a vegetable garden this summer, Northgate Greenhouses in Cincinnati, OH, will help you choose the supplies you need to begin. From fertilizers to insect repellent and everything in between, they offer everything nature enthusiasts need to cultivate a garden. They also have a variety of vegetables, so you can choose to plant the ones you’ll enjoy eating. To browse their selection of vegetables, visit their website, and call (513) 729-1134 with any questions.