This year, how about a resolution that’s great for you and your family and the earth? If you don’t have one already, resolve to start your first garden this year. Take time now to plan so you can get digging once Spring rolls around.

In addition to health and budget benefits of growing your own foods, there are also wellness benefits! Gardening can bes relaxing and you’ll love the results when you can make meals with fresh herbs, vegetables or fruit from your own back (or front) yard.

Starting a garden is easy — just follow these steps to plan and get your garden growing!

1. Where will you put it? Whether you pick a spot in your yard, on your porch or plant a small windowsill garden, the most important factor will be sunlight. Try to pick a spot that’ll get at least six hours of sun per day. Second, make sure it’ll be easy to reach with a hose, or if it’s a small garden, watering can. As far as size goes, if this is your first garden, don’t go too big. 8′x10′ is a good size to start off.

If you live in an apartment or don’t have room in your own yard for a garden, research community gardens in your area — it’s also a great way to meet neighbors!

2. What will you grow in it? Once you figure out where it’s going, then you’ll have to decide what you want to grow in your garden. How much sun your spot gets will determine to some respect what you can grow.  Make a list of what you’d like to grow and research online or get a book on edible gardening. You’ll be able to look up the sun, water and soil needs of various plants to figure out what to plant…easy starters include onions, beets and squash varieties. The instructions that come with the seeds will provide advice on how to space out the plants.

3. How will you keep unwanted critters out? To keep rabbits, squirrels and other would be diners out of your garden — or even your kids from trampling your goodies — use wire fencing to keep ‘em out.

4. What supplies will you need? Once you’ve got the spot and what you’ll be growing figured out, research supplies you’ll need. If you plan to compost, research proper tools for that as well.

When spring rolls around — it’ll be here before you know it — you’ll be ready to get your garden going!