---
title: Springing Into an Edible Garden
date: 2026-04-14T05:30:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/springing-into-an-edible-garden"
section: Articles
---
# Springing Into an Edible Garden

*April 14, 2026* — by [Sala Levin ’10](/author/sala-levin-10)


> UMD Extension Agent Offers Tips to Start Growing Fruits and Vegetables

*Gardening vmorgan 1920x1080 — (Illustrations by Valerie Morgan)*

The promise of springtime—the season of renewal—may lure you into believing that you, too, can turn a seed or three into a backyard farm. Tomatoes? Easy! Strawberries? No problem. Swiss chard? Sure—heck, you might even turn into a person who *likes* Swiss chard!

Now is the time for those yearning for a delicious backyard garden to start planning their plantings. The University of Maryland Extension has plenty of resources to help aspiring gardeners maximize their chances for a productive harvest. Principal Agent Associate Ginny Rosenkranz, who specializes in botany and horticulture, gave Maryland Today some pointers on how to achieve your fruit and vegetable dreams.



### Before you dig, test your soil.


*rainbow pH tester in soil, with green plant taking root*



### Grow the rainbow.


*colorful veggies, including carrot, squash, cucumber, tomato, onion*



### Prune your plants appropriately.


*gardening shears snip plant*



### Expect a disappointing second season for tomatoes.


*green worm coming out of tomato*



### There’s only one way to keep out squirrels, deer and rabbits.


*gray squirrel*




**Topics:** [Research](https://today.umd.edu/tags/research)


**Tags:** [Food](https://today.umd.edu/topic/food), [Research](https://today.umd.edu/topic/research)


**Units:** [College of Agriculture and Natural Resources](https://today.umd.edu/topic/college-agriculture-and-natural-resources), [University of Maryland Extension](https://today.umd.edu/topic/university-of-maryland-extension)