Have you ever considered growing your vegetables? The rewards are many, including the satisfaction of having grown something from a small plant or seed to the point of harvest. And the convenience of ducking out to your garden to pluck a few leaves of kale or sprigs of rosemary certainly delivers its certain pleasures.
Whether you go large or small, there are so many clever, modern solutions that will support even the most space-restricted endeavours – balcony pots and hanging baskets among them.
If you doubt your green thumb, you need not aim for the full complement of vegetables. A selection of lettuces, greens or herbs can all be grown effortlessly.
Apart from the convenience of having herbs and veggies at your fingertips, additional advantages are worth noting.
Seasonal Eating
When you grow vegetables at home, you can only produce what is in season, and therefore, you are eating seasonally. Traditional medicines the world over recommend seasonally eating to support optimum immunity, boost energy and achieve overall balance within our bodies. It’s no coincidence that vegetables high in vitamin C are prevalent throughout the winter months!
The Environment Will Thank You
By growing produce, no matter the size of your plot, you are less reliant on store-bought produce, which usually comes with a carbon footprint attached. Think food miles and packaging, etc. Your homegrown crop demands nothing from the environment but a little water and sunshine. That’s some feel-good factor worth signing up for.
Reduced Food Waste
With a produce plot on your back doorstep, you can reach for the amount you need – no more buying a large bag or bunch of something when you only require a few leaves or stems. Less food waste is better for the environment and better for your wallet.
The Full Body Experience
Gardening delivers so many wellness benefits. Aside from eating produce void of harsh chemical sprays, a significant health advantage, the act of tending your garden takes you outside among the sunshine and the fresh air, the benefits of which are endless – increased energy and clarity of mind among them.
Tips for Getting Started
Choose a Sunny Spot
Find a spot in your garden that gets a few hours of the morning sun. If you are growing herbs or small plants inside, choose an area that receives a lot of natural light.
Prep Your Soil
The condition of your soil will directly impact the success of your crops. If you are working in a garden bed, mix some good quality organic garden mix through the existing soil to ensure your plants receive a ready supply of nutrients.
If you are working in pots, grab an organic potting mix and add it to your pots directly. Again, good quality soil will yield healthy and nutrient-rich plants.
Start Simple
If you are an inexperienced gardener, set yourself up for a successful experience and start with some grow-friendly plants. Plants like herbs, salad leaves, tomatoes and beans practically grow themselves and produce generous crops. With such excellent results, you’ll be encouraged to explore more options in no time.
Watering is Key
New plants require a lot of water. Ensuring your plants are adequately hydrated will ensure good growth, especially for seeds and seedlings. The best time to water your vegetable garden is in the early morning hours; this is especially important during the summer months. Watering in the middle of the day, in the height of the midday heat, will only cause your plants to burn.
Harvesting your Veggies
It is best to harvest your crops when your garden is flourishing, produce is ripe or of a good size, and salad plants, greens, and herbs are leafy. If you leave it too long to pick your vegetables, you run the risk of your plants becoming woody or going to seed or, worse, bugs or other pests beating you to it!
Chat to the friendly folk at your local garden centre for extra tips and advice on how to grow a successful vegetable garden.
Enjoy!