How do you build a functional garden near your shelter in Valheim?

Building a functional garden near your shelter in Valheim is essential for sustainable food production and long-term survival. To start, you need to unlock the Cultivator tool, which is crafted at a Forge using 5 Core Wood and 5 Bronze. Core Wood is obtained by chopping Pine Trees in the Black Forest biome, while Bronze is crafted by combining Copper and Tin at a Forge. Once you have the Cultivator, you can till soil and plant seeds.\n\nTo create a garden, first, choose a flat area near your shelter. Flat terrain is easier to work with and ensures your crops grow properly. Use the Cultivator to till the soil by equipping it and right-clicking on the ground. Tilled soil appears as dark, fertile patches. Avoid placing your garden too close to structures or other obstacles, as crops need space to grow and may not thrive if overcrowded.\n\nNext, gather seeds for planting. Common early-game seeds include Carrot Seeds, Turnip Seeds, and Beech Seeds. Carrot and Turnip Seeds are found in the Black Forest biome by foraging, while Beech Seeds drop from Beech Trees in the Meadows. Once you have seeds, equip them and right-click on the tilled soil to plant them. Each crop has specific growth times, so be patient and check your garden regularly.\n\nWater is not a mechanic in Valheim, so you don’t need to worry about irrigation. However, crops do require sunlight to grow, so avoid planting them in heavily shaded areas or under structures. Additionally, protect your garden from wildlife and enemies by building a fence or wall around it. Use Wood or Core Wood to craft a simple fence, and consider adding a gate for easy access.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with raids or wandering enemies that can destroy your crops. To mitigate this, build your garden within the radius of a Workbench, as this prevents enemy spawns nearby. You can also place Campfires or Torches around the garden to deter Greylings and other creatures. If you’re in a dangerous biome like the Plains, consider building a raised garden or enclosing it with stone walls for added protection.\n\nAs you progress, you can expand your garden to include more advanced crops like Barley and Flax, which are found in the Plains biome. These crops require a Windmill or Spinning Wheel to process into usable materials, so plan accordingly. Always keep an eye on your garden’s growth stages and harvest crops when they’re fully grown to maximize yield.\n\nFinally, here are some practical tips for maintaining a functional garden: Rotate your crops to avoid depleting the soil (though this isn’t a mechanic in Valheim, it’s a good habit for organization), use signs to label different sections of your garden, and store excess seeds in chests for future planting. With a well-maintained garden, you’ll have a steady supply of food and resources to support your Viking adventures.