The Top 80 Vegetable Garden Ideas
Growing vegetables is a great way to know exactly where your food comes from, eat healthier, and save money. You don’t even have to have a large garden to benefit from growing your own veggies. You could try planting some in your backyard, in planters, raised beds, or even building a greenhouse.
Whatever approach you have to your vegetable gardening, there are a few common things each method has in common. You’ll want the best placement for sunlight, rich soil, and a well-organized vegetable garden plan. Check out these vegetable garden ideas to get inspired and plant your own nutritious and delicious vegetables.
1. Backyard Vegetable Garden Ideas
Most of us have the most amount of open land space in the backyard. This makes it the perfect place for spreading out and creating a small vegetable garden. If you have a door leading outside that’s near your kitchen, see if you can place your garden here; this gives you a convenient kitchen garden.
Source: @dorisbatty via Instagram
Source: @veggiegrowingfun via Instagram
Source: @thisfunnyoldplace via Instagram
Source: @paige_87 via Instagram
Source: @oxgreenfingersxo via Instagram
Source: @moestuin010 via Instagram
Source: @maryskitchengarden via Instagram
Source: @lori_laing via Instagram
Source: @girlsownstore via Instagram
Source: @elainefrostwriter via Instagram
Source: @eatgrowlovemarlyse via Instagram
To ensure your garden is a success, you’ll want to pick a spot that gets the right amount of light. For some vegetables, this means full sun. For others, it means indirect light or very little light. You’ll then want to prepare the soil so that it’s rich in nutrients. You may need to compost if you find that your soil is lacking in the necessary elements.
The final step is understanding what climate zone you’re located in and what plants thrive there. You aren’t limited to these plants, but they’re an easy place to start if you’re new to gardening. Ensure you plant your vegetables at the right time of the year to give you a healthy harvest.
2. Container Vegetable Garden Ideas
What if you want to grow vegetables but don’t have any land to grow them in? Container gardening is the perfect solution. This is also ideal if you’ll need to move your plants throughout the year. You could start out small with a single tomato plant in its own pot. Then you can expand as you become more confident in your growing abilities.
Source: @victorygardensofperth via Instagram
Source: @mrs.h.spice_ via Instagram
Source: @lillsebbas via Instagram
Think about how you want your garden to look. There are terracotta and decorative pots that you can use if your garden will be someplace visible. If you’re more concerned about function, plain black plastic tubs will work just fine.
Consider buying larger containers that can hold more than one plant. You could have a long trough that holds two or three rows of carrots. Or you could have a large round pot that grows a tomato plant and basil together. The basil is a short plant, while the tomatoes will vine upward. This type of companion planting also helps your plants to grow stronger, be more fertile, and avoid pest infestation.
3. Screened Or Fenced Vegetable Garden Ideas
Once your vegetable plants start growing, you’ll suddenly realize just how much wildlife there is around you. Critters that once left your property alone will suddenly think you’ve laid out the welcome mat.
To keep out the small pests such as insects, cover your vegetables with a mesh screen. It’s a soft fabric-like material that you can construct to cover your plants. It helps to build a frame out of wood or chicken wire to give the mesh structure.
Source: @thevegframe via Instagram
Source: @janewestoby via Instagram
Source: @hayleys_kitchengarden via Instagram
Source: @andreaherron1 via Instagram
Source: @thevegframe via Instagram
Another threat to your fresh vegetables is other people. Your garden will look like the perfect place to grab a snack or do some free “shopping”. You can prevent this by putting up a barrier between them and your tempting garden. A chain-link fence will do the job but isn’t pretty. An attractive wood fence will do the job and add to your backyard’s appeal.
4. Greenhouse Vegetable Garden Ideas
Becoming a gardener is hard enough without having to contend with the unpredictable weather. A greenhouse is a great way to have better control over the growing environment for your vegetables. This means you’ll get higher quality vegetables and more of them. Plus, you’ll enjoy a longer growing season.
Source: @under.my_.pear_.tree_ via Instagram
Source: @small_garden_big_ideas via Instagram
Source: @paulcresser via Instagram
Source: @husetoghagen_pakjos via Instagram
Source: @house_behind_the_mill via Instagram
Source: @greendoorgardening via Instagram
One smart garden plan is to start your seedlings in your greenhouse. This lets you start your vegetable crop sooner. Then you can transfer them to the ground once it gets warm enough. If you don’t have the land space for them to grow outside, you can keep them in the greenhouse the entire time. Just be sure you know which plants will need hand pollination since bees and other pollinators can’t get into your greenhouse.
5. Hydroponics/Aquaponics Vegetable Garden Ideas
If you have a large space where you can build the system required, then you could have a hydroponic system. These systems require quite a bit of space but are well worth it. You’ll either use long tubes or a table set up to grow the plants in water. This eliminates the issue of crop rotation since it’s the water that’s rotating, not the crops. One drawback of this setup is that it is the most expensive to install and implement.
Source: @yourgreenlifestore via Instagram
Source: @_yazeth via Instagram
If you want to give hydroponics a try, consider growing lettuce, tomatoes, radish, kale, spinach, and cucumbers. These plants will all thrive in this wet environment. Skip the root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, rutabaga, garlic, and onion. These plants need the soil to grow properly.
Consider the extra needs of your plants. Melons grow great in hydroponics, but they’re also heavy, so you’ll need to reinforce your setup. Tomatoes and other vine plants will need a trellis to support their growth.
6. Vegetable Garden Layout Ideas
When considering vegetable garden design ideas, you’ll want to find one that you can adapt to your space and vegetables. Consider growing a flower garden that also has vegetables. Now you’ll have a beautiful, edible garden. Try to choose the sunniest spots for your vegetables as most will need five to six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Source: @we_be_blooming via Instagram
Source: @stable_garden via Instagram
Source: @naptimenigella via Instagram
Source: @lifescapecustomlandscaping via Instagram
Don’t forget to create space around the plant beds for you to walk. They don’t need to be huge but should be large enough for you to navigate the area safely. Then you’ll arrange your vegetables. Don’t crowd them; each vegetable variety needs a specific amount of space to grow happily. Also, consider their height. You don’t want to plant something that will get very tall and create too much shade for the plant next to it.
7. Planter Ideas Vegetable Garden Ideas
Not all of your vegetables need to be planted in the ground. If you have a patio or deck area, you could grow plants here in hanging planters or pots. This unique vegetable garden design creates decor while also creating produce. Pepper plants work perfectly for this because they produce multiple colorful peppers that look great and you can use in cooking.
Source: @willowood.uk_ via Instagram
Source: @millers88 via Instagram
Source: @cmfdesignglasgow via Instagram
Source: @bee_happy_in_sydney via Instagram
Source: @at_house_no26 via Instagram
For a traditional look to your plants, you could use clay or terracotta pots. But don’t be afraid to get creative. You could recycle tires that you lay on the ground and fill with dirt. Or you could fill an old bathtub with dirt. If you’re handy, you could construct a large frame that you hang several rows of plants at multiple heights from.
8. Raised Bed Vegetable Garden Ideas
The easiest and fastest way to create fertile soil for your vegetable gardening is to build raised beds. Then you can build up with the soil instead of contending with digging into your less than hospitable ground. This also works well to create built-in walkways around each raised box. To get the most of your raised boxes, look for ways you can implement succession planting.
Source: @poprostuposadz via Instagram
Source: @patch_of_paradise_qld via Instagram
Source: @orchardhouse_farmhouse via Instagram
Source: @growing_at_no.7 via Instagram
Source: @delgorro via Instagram
Source: @chocoholicrd via Instagram
Source: @brian_ellybuttonfluff via Instagram
By planting in intervals, you’ll be able to yield more and enjoy more of your crop before it goes back. To do this, you’ll want to start early with crops that are hardy enough for planting at the end of winter. Then when they’re ready, you’ll harvest them and plant something that grows better from mid to late season. You can also stagger when you plant the individual types of plants.
9. Rooftop Or Balcony Vegetable Garden Ideas
The great thing about having a vegetable garden is that you can scale it to as big or small as you have space for. Whether you have a small garden or a large vegetable garden layout, plan to have all of your plants in pots or containers.
Source: @parisian_gardener via Instagram
Source: @mays.balcony.garden via Instagram
Source: @jamesharper21 via Instagram
Source: @greenbygwen via Instagram
Source: @girlnesting via Instagram
Source: @croppinwithky via Instagram
Source: @catherinesvarsker via Instagram
Source: @anna.kabe_ via Instagram
Source: @mays.balcony.garden via Instagram
If you don’t have a lot of square footage to work with, try going vertical. You could hang a planter on your railing. Or you could have a stand with several trays at different levels. Just be sure your balcony points in the right direction to get enough sun and rain. Rooftop gardens are able to get much more direct sunlight. You’ll want to provide shade for some of your more sensitive plants. Otherwise, you risk their leaves burning.
10. Side Yard Vegetable Garden Ideas
If you find that your backyard faces the wrong direction or maybe it’s too shady, then try the space along the side of your house. You can create a long garden bed in your side yard. This style of garden layout is nice because the shape makes it easy to care for.
Source: @v1ck1.72 via Instagram
Source: @training_allama via Instagram
Source: @small_garden_big_ideas via Instagram
If your property has a fence around it, then you can add to your space by hanging planters on the fence. These are perfect for plants that need more sunlight and may not get it if planted in the ground.
11. Small Veggie Patch Ideas
You don’t have to let your vegetable garden take over your entire backyard. You could have a small patch where you grow some of your favorites. You could have a tomato plant and some salad greens, like lettuce and swiss chard.
Source: @thewellnessprogramme via Instagram
Source: @small_steps365 via Instagram
Source: @northlondontownhouse via Instagram
Source: @nineteen_fieldview_cottage via Instagram
Source: @gooney83 via Instagram
Source: @fayefully_yours via Instagram
Source: @dolly_patch via Instagram
Source: @@loafofsoph2020 via Instagram
You’ll need a large enough square foot garden to give the plants enough room to grow. Remember that lettuces start out small but will grow in size as their leaves multiply and grow. Other vegetables that are good to grow in a small space are herbs, cucumbers, pole beans, radishes, and shallots. What’s nice about tomatoes, shallots, and cucumbers is that you’ll get a high yield of produce for the small space.
12. Trellis Vegetable Garden Ideas
Some vegetables grow as a vine, and you’ll need to construct a trellis for them to grow on. These plants are perfect for when you want to create a vertical vegetable garden. The simplest setup for your veggie garden is to have a small trellis that’s a few feet tall constructed in the plant bed. Another option is to plant your garden along the side of your house and lean the trellis up against it. You’ll want to be careful with this; you don’t want to give insects and bugs a highway into your home.
Source: @gosia__pop via Instagram
Source: @trinitystreetgarden via Instagram
Source: @thecuriousglasshouse via Instagram
Source: @moestuin010 via Instagram
Source: @homegrowingwild via Instagram
Source: @doug_snellen88 via Instagram
If you have the space, you can get creative with your trellis. Turn it into an archway that you could walkthrough. Or you could have it be a pergola style covering over your patio or deck area. Now you have fresh vegetables and a shady place to hang out.
Vegetable Garden FAQs
When basil is grown with tomatoes, it encourages larger veggie yields and keeps the mosquitoes and flies away. Corn and green beans grow well together because the corn acts as the trellis for the beans. Carrots and onions grow well together because onions repel the carrot fly.
Start by determining the size, shape, and location of your garden. Plant your crops in triangles instead of lines or squares. This will allow for 10-14% more plants to fit into the space. Look for ways you can go vertical with your garden to maximize the most amount of space.
Don’t plant onions near beans, asparagus, or peas. They’ll impede their growth. Planting sage near cucumbers also stunts their growth. Planting dill and coriander near your carrot plants can harm your carrots.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
Check Price
If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
Check Price
Get 15% off using the discount code NEXTL at checkout
Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
Check Price
This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
Check Price
This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
Check Price
Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
Check Price
This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
Check Price
This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
Check Price
If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
Check Price
If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
Check Price
Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
Check Price
Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
Check Price
For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
Check Price
Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
Check Price
This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
Check Price
For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
Check Price
This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
Check Price
Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
Check Price
The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
Check Price
Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
Check Price
Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
Check Price
This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
Check Price
Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
Check Price
Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
Check Price
Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
Check Price
Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
Check Price
This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
Check Price
Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
