Today you’re going to grow your own vegetable garden. If you don’t have all the supplies, don’t worry! Just aim to do the best you can with the things you have access to. Even sprouting a garlic bulb in a jar (you can cut the green stem that grows from garlic and use them like onions!) is a great start. And now that you know that growing food is important for others who don’t have access, you can share what you know and grow (hygienically of course)!  

VEGGIE GARDEN QUIZ

1. Do you have access to an outdoor space with plenty of sunlight and a nearby water source? 
   
   – Do you also have the ability (a free community access area/plot) to plant in this space? [if yes, go to PATH A , if not continue with quiz] 
   
   
2. If you don’t have a yard or access to outdoor space, do you have an area like a porch or balcony with plenty of sunlight?  
   
   – Do you or someone you know also have containers you can plant in or items you can repurpose with the goal of growing something edible? [if yes to all of the above, go to Path B, if not continue with quiz] 
   
3. If you don’t have a porch or a balcony, do you have an indoor space with plenty of sunlight?  
   
   – Do you have access to glass jars or small kitchen containers, or even old food cartons? [if yes, lead to Path C] 
   
   GO TO YOUR RESULTS TO BEGIN YOUR GARDEN

Path A: Start an Outdoor Vegetable Garden 

Growing a garden has many benefits. Beyond the joy of harvesting your own food, helping limit waste and reducing contributions to climate change, time spent outdoors with your hands in the dirt has shown to be wonderful for your mood.  

An important note for gardening is to plant things in the right place. Some produce does not grow well next to each other. Each veggie plant also has specific lighting and watering needs. If you need guidance, feel free to look it up and/or read our blog about veggies you can regrow! Start by using the free vegetable garden mapping tool below. 

How to start if you don’t have access to seeds or other garden materials:  

• Harvest seeds from the produce in your home (like garlic!) 
• Grow vegetables from produce you have eaten (ex: garlic, celery, lettuce, carrots)  
• Swap seeds with friends (with proper social distancing!) 
• Order plants over the phone from your local nursery or with online vendors 

Resources:  

• Free Garden Planning Tool  
• Rooting herbs in water 
• Growing food in containers 
• Free seed swapping network 

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Path B: Start a Porch/Balcony Container Garden

Many vegetables, fruits and herbs thrive in containers! Do an online search for edible container gardens and you will find a wide variety of options. Select the plants that you are most likely to eat and that are right for the season. You can also read our blog about veggies you can regrow!  

Below are ideas for acquiring seeds and plants:  

• Harvest seeds/bulbs from produce in your home (like garlic!) 
• Did you know you can grow vegetables from produce you have purchased at the store? (ex: beans, celery, lettuce, carrots and many herbs will re-root in water)  

• Swap seeds with friends (with proper social distancing!) 
• Order plants over the phone from your local nursery or with online vendors 

Resources:  

• Rooting herbs in water 
• Growing food in containers 
• Free seed swapping network 

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Path C: Start a Window garden 

Window gardens range from simple to impressively complex systems that allow you to grow food from the comfort of your own home! Grow a garlic bulb in a jar of water, sprout some sprouts, or place some small container herbs in a sunny window. Do an online search for DIY edible window gardens to find ideas that work for you and your space. You can also read our blog about veggies you can regrow! 

 
Below are ideas for acquiring seeds and plants:  

• Harvest seeds/bulbs from the produce in your home
• Grow vegetables from produce you have eaten (ex: garlic, celery, lettuce, carrots)  
• Swap seeds with friends (with proper social distancing!) 
• Order plants over the phone from your local nursery or with online vendors 

Resources:  

• Rooting herbs in water 
• Growing food in containers 
• Free seed swapping network  

NEXT STEP: Show the World Your Project!
Once you’re done creating your garden, make sure to register your incredible ‘Grow Your Own’ Roots & Shoots project and build your project profile! 

BONUS: Dedicate your garden to Dr. Jane with this exclusive JGI
‘Seeds of Hope’ program 

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The Jane Goodall Institute is a global community conservation organization that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall. By protecting chimpanzees and inspiring people to conserve the natural world we all share, we improve the lives of people, animals and the environment. Everything is connected—everyone can make a difference.