Growing Vegetables
More and more people are looking to reduce their shopping bill and be self sufficient, and a great way to start is to grow your own vegetables
Garden fresh organic fruit and vegetables are fast becoming a growing trend amongst the health and diet conscious people in today’s world. The issues of pesticides used by commercial growers are of great concern and a popular alternative is to grow your own healthy fresh produce. Growing vegetables is considered a priority for lots of people who just love to eat fresh.
Before taking any action, look at your garden and think about some of the following points:
- Consider that most plants producing fruit will require full sunlight, though leafy varieties will grow in partially shady conditions. If possible try to have your vegetable plot close to the kitchen, this just makes it so easy and convenient to nip out and pick the vegetables you’re about to cook.
- When considering the size of the plot it is better to have a small well maintained area rather than a large neglected one which ends up full of weeds.
- Vegetables blend well amongst garden plants and give an interesting effect, as many are ornamental. So if you don’t have room in your garden for a designated vegetable patch don’t feel you are unable to grow vegetables.
- If you are lacking space you can also use containers in the garden or on a balcony, especially for the dwarf or bush varieties. Just make sure tall crops do not shade the smaller ones, especially if growing vegetables that take up little space such as carrots, radish and lettuce. Containers will need watering frequently as they tend to dry out quickly. You can buy self watering planters if you don’t trust yourself to remember the watering schedule and these are also useful if you are away on holiday.
- Greenhouses are also a popular place for growing vegetables giving protection and warmth when the climate is not optimal for the plants. If you use a hotbed or cold frame to start the vegetables off it is best to locate it in a corner where it will be out of the way.
Most vegetables are grown annually but some crops are permanent such as asparagus or rhubarb and need to be planted in a position where they will not interfere with the annual cultivation of the soil.
Soil
Prepare your soil in the early spring by turning it over with a spade and breaking it down to a crumbly texture. Make sure it’s a good draining site as your plants just do not like a wet clogging soil; any stones you dig up should be discarded.
If you’re thinking of fresh clean organic fruit and vegetables, make sure you have started your own compost pile and have added your compost to the plot before the winter set in. This organic matter will improve the soil and help release nitrogen, minerals and other nutrients for the plants as it decays.
Commercial fertilizers can be used if desired before or at the time of planting. The amount required will depend on the crops being grown and the composition and pH level of the soil. The County Extension Agent can supply information on soil tests for your locality. Some soils with a natural high fertility may only require the addition of nitrogen or compost. Fertilizers containing small amounts of copper, zinc and manganese are necessary only in areas known to be deficient in those elements. Leafy crops like spinach, cabbage, kale and lettuce often require more nitrogen while root crops such as potatoes, carrots, beets and turnips need more potash.
Seeds and Plants
When buying your seeds, get them from a reputable nursery; be sure to buy disease resistant varieties. You can get started indoors, in a greenhouse or use a cold frame to give you a head start, though in warmer areas you can sow directly into prepared beds in the open. If you want to purchase seedlings, look for strong plants with healthy green leaves. Start planting in spring and continue all summer so there is always something fresh and tasty to harvest.
Maintain
Generally about 1 inch of water a week is required for growing vegetables. Some of this may come from rain but you will probably need to water the garden yourself either by hand or with an irrigation system at some stage. It is better to give the garden a good soaking less often than to water sparingly, as this will cause the roots to come to the surface where they can get burned by the sun.
Any weeds that appear should be hoed up or removed by hand. Weeds will rob plants of water, nutrients and light and some may harbor disease insects and nematodes that will re-infest the garden over the following years. Choose some good quality tools such as a spade, rake, hoe, trowel, wheelbarrow and hose, which will make growing vegetables much easier. All these tools should be safely stored away from harsh weather and crooks in a garden shed or garage.
Protect
Growing vegetables is very rewarding so you should take steps to prevent damage by garden pests. Fences are useful for keeping out dogs, rabbits and deer and can double as a trellis for crops that need support such as beans and tomatoes.
Hints and tips on growing common vegetables:
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