The Depot - Gardening for Beginners

Cottage garden • Vegetable gardening

Grow that garden with confidence

The Depot is your friendly starting point for vegetable gardening. Designed for beginners, our cottage-garden inspired resources demystify soil, planning, and planting so you can enjoy fresh produce with less guesswork.

Educational resources for beginners

Soil & Starter Guide

Soil Health Essentials

Learn how to test your soil, interpret results, and add amendments for a thriving start to your vegetable garden.

Garden Planning

Plan a Cottage Kitchen Garden

Design a beginner-friendly layout that maximizes space, supports succession planting, and keeps maintenance simple.

Planting Basics

Seasonal Planting Calendar

Understand when to sow, transplant, and harvest common vegetables in a temperate climate.

Care & Watering

Smart Watering for Beginners

Simple strategies to keep soil evenly moist and reduce water waste in a cottage garden setting.

Pests & Allies

Intro to Companion Plants

Pairing plants to deter pests and boost flavor, without complicated methods.

Harvest & Preserve

Harvesting for Flavor

Know when vegetables are ready and how to preserve freshness for your family.

Beginner Tips

First Steps for New Gardeners

Start small, choose a few hardy vegetables, build soil depth, and establish a simple watering routine. The Depot provides clear steps and checklists to keep you on track.

Learn the basics