Plotting and Planning

First Time Vegetable Gardening – How Many Plants to Plant?

My husband claims that two zucchini plants are at least one too many, and perhaps he is right. Many’s the story I have heard of a kitchen filled with zucchini at the end of the growing season, or offers I have received for cucumbers in the fall. I won’t even talk about the year I threw a handful of cabbage seeds in an empty bed (that's another confession).
Knowing how many and what to plant in the vegetable garden may seem daunting to the new, or even to the more seasoned, gardener. There are many factors to consider: the type of vegetable, how much space you have, how much sun your garden receives, and more. When a first time gardener approaches me with this question, this is what I tell them.
The first decision to make is how each vegetable will be used, and of course you need to make adjustments for the size of your family. Generally 3-4 plants of most types of vegetables are good for a family of four if you do not plan on canning, drying or freezing. Some exceptions would include eggplant; the suggested guideline is one plant per eggplant-loving person (in our house that is one plant). One corn plant will usually produce two ears of corn, so plant six plants for a dozen ears. Adjust according to what your family likes and expect their tastes to change over time.
But the plants come six to a pack? Share. Find a friend that enjoys gardening and shop together. You can also plant from seeds, saving money as leftover seeds are still quite viable the next season.
Planting a small quantity of a variety of vegetables your first few years will help you to learn what you and your family needs. You may decide some vegetables are not worth the work they require and decide to give that space over to ones you prefer. Start small. If you cannot resist the temptation to plant all six cucumbers, learn to make refrigerator pickles. Use nice jars. You’ll be giving them away.

For information on companion planting: http://www.gardeningjones.com/companion_plants.htm