Yes, You Can Garden on a Budget: How to Grow Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Zucchinis & Yellow Squash

Starting a vegetable garden doesn’t have to cost a lot or be complicated. With just a little space, a raised bed, and some heirloom seeds, you can grow healthy, delicious food right in your own backyard. This simple guide will show you how to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, and yellow crookneck squash—all great beginner-friendly veggies.

🌱 Why Raised Beds?

Raised beds warm up faster in the spring, have better drainage, and make it easier to control weeds and soil quality. They’re also easier on your back! Waaaaaay back in my mid-20s I moved to South Carolina from New Hampshire and moved into an apartment. I wanted to grow “something.” I put a raised bed in the apartment patio and also had a couple buckets. I grew some food, and it felt so great. That was the beginning of my gardening journey.

🛠 Budget-Friendly Raised Bed Options

You don’t need to buy an expensive garden kit. Try these DIY options:

• Untreated pine boards (1×6 or 2×6) cut to size and screwed together (4’x8’ is ideal)
• Cedar fence pickets (budget option with natural rot resistance)
• Repurposed materials like old pallets (be sure they’re heat-treated, not chemically treated)
• Cinder blocks stacked in a rectangle (no tools required)
• Downed trees and stones can also be used as borders for the raised beds

🪴 Soil Mix for Raised Beds

You want rich, well-draining soil. Here’s a basic mix that won’t break the bank:

• 60% topsoil (buy in bulk if you can)
• 30% compost (homemade or store-bought) – Rourke recommends Black Kow brand
• 10% sand or perlite (for drainage)

Optional: Add in some worm castings or aged manure if your budget allows.

🌼 Easy Heirloom, Non-GMO Varieties to Grow

These are dependable, tasty, and perfect for beginners. You can find these from companies like MIgardener, Baker Creek, or Seed Savers Exchange.

🍅 Tomatoes

• ‘Cherokee Purple’ or ‘Roma’ – Great for slicing or sauces

🥒 Cucumbers

• ‘Boston Pickling’ – Compact and great for fresh eating or pickling

🥒 Zucchini

• ‘Black Beauty’ – Classic, productive, and easy to grow

🍋 Yellow Squash

• ‘Early Prolific Straightneck’ or ‘Crookneck’ – Reliable producers

🌞 Planting Tips

• Sunlight: Pick a spot with 6–8 hours of direct sun.
• Spacing: Give your plants room to grow. Tomatoes and squash need at least 2–3 feet between them.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Deep watering 2–3 times a week is best.
• Support: Use cages or stakes for tomatoes and cucumbers to keep them upright.

🧑‍🌾 Raised Bed Gardening FAQ

1. What is a raised bed garden?

A raised bed is a garden built above ground level, usually in a framed box structure filled with soil. It allows for better control over soil quality, drainage, and weeds.

2. How deep should a raised bed be?

At least 6 to 12 inches deep is ideal for most vegetables. Deeper beds (18–24 inches) are even better for root crops like carrots or potatoes.

3. Do raised beds need a bottom?

No, most raised beds sit directly on the ground. This allows roots to grow deeper. If placing the bed on concrete or a patio, consider adding a bottom with good drainage.

4. Can I place a raised bed directly on grass?

Yes! Just lay down cardboard or thick newspaper to smother the grass before adding soil. It will break down naturally and help suppress weeds.

5. What kind of soil should I use?

Use a mix of:

• 60% topsoil

• 30% compost

• 10% sand or perlite for drainage
  Optional: Add worm castings, aged manure, or organic fertilizer for a boost.

6. How often should I water my raised bed?

Water deeply 2–3 times per week, depending on the weather. Raised beds dry out faster than in-ground gardens, so check soil moisture often, especially in summer.

7. Do I need to fertilize my raised bed?

Yes. Even with good compost, nutrients get used up. Use organic fertilizers like fish emulsion, bone meal, blood meal, or compost tea every 2–4 weeks during the growing season.

8. Can I grow all vegetables in a raised bed?

Most, yes! Tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, lettuce, herbs, and more do great in raised beds. Just watch spacing—some plants need more room than others.

9. Do I need to rotate crops in a raised bed?

It’s a good idea. Rotating helps prevent soil-borne diseases and pests. Try changing plant families each year (e.g., tomatoes one year, leafy greens the next).

10. How do I keep pests out?

• Use row covers or netting

• Add companion plants like marigolds or basil

• Hand-pick bugs or use organic sprays like neem oil

• Keep your garden area clean and free of plant debris

🌿 Final Statement

Start small and just do something. Even one raised bed can feed you and your family well. Gardening is about learning as you go, and it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do.

Take care all –

Rourke