Nothing is more exciting than picking home-grown vegetables from your very own garden when the harvest season arrives. Of course, before you can pick your veggies, you need to grow them first. The good news is that, if you're growing a vegetable garden from scratch, getting started isn't as hard as it looks. Here are three essential things you need to get your vegetable garden started so you can happily reap what you sow.

A Small Patch of Yard

While 75% of homeowners will set aside money for a home improvement project, it's still a good idea to start off with a small patch of your yard before you invest a lot of time, money, and energy into a massive garden. It's typically recommended to start off with a spot that's 6x6 feet. 

Starting off small isn't just a good way to save money but also helps you determine whether you've chosen the right spot for your garden. For instance, the spot you choose might seem ideal with lots of sun, but sometimes too much direct sunlight can cook your plants. See how your plants grow in the spot where you plant them and if it all goes according to plan, spread out your garden by another few feet.

Quality Gardening Tools

You don't need to spend an arm and a leg on gardening equipment to get your vegetable garden started, but you do want to have a few high-quality tools at your disposal to make life easier. The main tools you want include a garden knife, garden fork, hand and garden spades, shovel, garden shears, a leaf rake, and secateurs.

Do some research online to find the right gardening equipment for you. Approximately 90% of users haven't made up their minds about a specific brand before they begin an online search, and many users rely on reviews before making a purchase. Amazon, which has a peak traffic volume of 2.3 Tbps, is a common source for gardening equipment, but you can also shop locally at a garden center or buy quality garden equipment used on eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.

Vegetables You Love

When you're just starting out growing a vegetable garden, it can be tempting to reach for seed packets for vegetables that are aesthetically pleasing or easy to grow. Additionally, exploring options like mushroom grow kits can add variety and excitement to your gardening experience. But it's best to grow vegetables that you actually love to eat. The reason for this is because you'll be more likely to be invested in caring for vegetables that you love. It's also because, when the time comes to reap the benefits of owning a vegetable garden, you might be surprised by the sheer number of veggies your garden gives you. If you're stuck eating veggies you don't care for in an effort not to let them go to waste, you won't be too happy.

Growing a vegetable garden can be an amazing experience and it definitely gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment when everything goes well. If you're interested in starting a garden of your own this summer, be sure to follow the tips above to start off on the right foot.