3 Great ways to get your veggie garden thriving in no time
Category Gardening
There's nothing quite like the abundance of flavour that oozes from freshly picked veggies from your garden. The taste is even more savoured in the knowledge that it was all grown by you, not to mention the health benefits! And while it's not always possible to live entirely off your own grow, there's no time like the present to add fresh organic produce to your daily menu.
What are the 3 main benefits?
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Get the family off devices and into the garden for some natural vitamin D. Assign a small part to one person to look after.
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Planting organically by cutting out chemicals, and you will eat healthier fresh vegetables.
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It is difficult to get all your food from a tiny veggie patch, but it will help cut down the logistic carbon emissions and amount of plastics used to get the food into your trolley.
That being said, starting up your veggie patch takes time, patience and care to reap the rewards of a delicious harvest. Regardless, we know that hard work and reasonable effort are all you need to make that springtime picking experience much sweeter. Without further ado, let's start with the basics.
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Starting small
One of the first mistakes a novice grower will make is trying to grow too much all at once. However, if you start small, with even just one type of plant at a time, it'll give you enough time to learn the various intricacies that each type of seed or plant may present. Starting with too much may also overwhelm you and cause some of your plants to become neglected.
First things first - (for those with smaller gardens}
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A planting box of 1m x 1m is all the space you need to begin.
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Pick a selection of 1, 2 or 3 different plant types and purchase 2 - 3 seedlings. (Herbs, beans, tomatoes, and chillis are usually an excellent place to start.)
For larger gardens
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Consider utilising a 3m x 3m space.
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Here you can choose a more extensive range of plants from 3 - 5 and at least four seedlings.
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Companion plants
Pests can pose a serious issue. To get around this complication, consider adding companion plants in small blocks. Certain plants and seedlings may work to balance the nutrient level of the soil in your patch, beat back annoying pests, and even suppress the growth of nutrient-sapping weeds.
On the one hand, flowers such as marigolds and lavender work well at fending off unwanted insects, attracting those that stimulate growth. Pest control is also achieved by certain herbs as well. We recommend looking at chives, mint, oregano, and coriander. Beyond beating back the bugs, they add some delightful aromas.
Depending on the type of crops you're looking to grow, a quick Google search may help in finding the perfect companion plant.
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Finding the right spot
Part of a successful harvest is knowing the right place for specific plants. Some may need more sunlight, while others may flourish in damp and dim areas. The correct placement is essential, and the wrong placement may lead to underdeveloped produce. Fortunately, proper placement is as simple as reading the instructions on your seedling packages, as most will provide you with the right direction.
But before you start digging and planting, consider the following elements:
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Water and rain: While water is vital to life, too much of it can cause root rot. Avoid this by raising your plant beds and allowing for irrigation
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The sun: As above, so below. Almost all plants require at least 6 - 8 hours of sun daily, so ensure your space allocation is designed for maximum exposure.
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soil: Plants acquire nutrients from the soil, and well-prepared soil creates the foundation for a happy harvest. Mulching and composting can make a difference.
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Wind: Exposure to direct wind can completely upend what you're trying to accomplish. Heavy winds can bend your plants, and pollinators like bees may also be affected. A sheltered spot is best.
There's simply no reason to overcomplicate the process. As long as you keep in mind these simple guidelines, the rest should come naturally. If you want to start your first grow, consider visiting these local nurseries.
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Plantland Menlyn Garden Centre
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Plant Paradise Garden Centre
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Newlands Garden Sands
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Katina's Nursery
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Author: Bryce Anderson