Want to add a more natural touch to your home or spend more time outdoors? Try growing your own vegetables! Even if you’re someone who doesn’t really have a green thumb, veggies are pretty easy to grow. From getting some sun and exercise, to reaping some natural therapy—not to mention, your own fresh vegetables to use in cooking, there are plenty of benefits to growing your own veggie patch! Read on to learn the best tips and tricks for growing your own veggies!
No matter your age, gardening is an enriching experience that you can enjoy alone or with others. Whether you do it to get some fresh air and sunshine, to unwind and focus on the simple things, or to create amazing organic dishes for your family—here’s all you need to know about growing that veggie patch!
Hows your soil?
Many Australian backyards contain evergreen plants that are super efficient throughout our hectic seasons. The soil in your garden may be quite dry and not nutritious enough for vegetables. You can purchase bags of quality soil, mulch and fertilisers at most gardening stores that will give your plants the nutrients they need.
Plant thickly
If you’re a little too generous with the amount of space between crops, weeds may soon move in. By ensuring that your vegetables are being planted no more than 30cm apart, you’ll be filling your garden with precious veggies, and not those pesky creepers! When the crop’s foliage begins to crowd their neighbours, simply keep them well-trimmed and under control.
Don’t be put off by shade
Many crops will grow just as well if they are planted in shady areas, so don’t be put off if your garden isn’t entirely sunny. Fruits such as strawberry guava, kiwi fruit and blueberries grow exceptionally well without much sunlight, so opt for these types to fill those darker spots in your garden. It also helps to experiment with different crops in different lighted areas, so you can observe how they thrive.
No room? No worries!
Is your backyard too small to suit a vegetable patch? If you’re not into the vertical garden idea, consider growing a garden on your roof! Be careful with this however, and ensure that your roof is strong enough to hold the weight of your pots as well as yourself. Many space-saving gardeners have created extra roofing for their plants which is structurally sound and perfect for growing sun-loving veggies such as potatoes.
