3 minute read
Veg Out This Spring
The cold start to the year appears to have given way to milder weather. Let’s hope we have put the worst of the winter behind us as we roll into spring. Spring comes around at quite a pace in the garden centre and one key feature during March is always ‘Grow Your Own’. Veg Out This Spring!
Lots of different vegetable and salad plants are available and it’s time to start planning your vegetable garden. Even if you are a complete beginner, do think about having a go. It is a super-satisfying project with delicious and healthy rewards throughout the spring and summer. It’s also a great project for the whole family. Getting the children involved teaches them where their food comes from, gets them outdoors in the fresh air and they will learn to appreciate the importance of hard work and patience! a bit of preparation in order to maximise your harvest.
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Find a nice sunny but sheltered spot in your garden if possible. You can also grow vegetable plants in raised beds and even large pots and containers. You will need a plentiful water supply, so try to make your vegetable garden close to your hose or water butt.
Prepare the soil by removing large stones and weeds, including the roots, and digging in some manure or well-rotted compost to improve the soil. Rake it so that it is quite level and smooth. Then it’s time to decide which varieties you are going to grow.
Salad Leaves and Lettuce are a great choice to start with. In only a few weeks you could be cutting leaves for a delicious salad. There are lots of delicious colourful varieties to choose from. The fast-growing ‘cut and come again’ varieties will keep on growing through the season, you only need to cut as much as you need and they will just keep going!
A great root vegetable to start with is Beetroot. Equally delicious warm or in salads,
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beetroot is easy to grow and will be ready to eat in just a few weeks. Look out for a variety called ‘Boltardy’, this is a nice shaped, tasty beetroot with deep red flesh. Plus, it is easy and fast growing.
Other great options for the novice vegetable gardener include:
• Radishes and carrots - super easy and fast growing • Onions • Chillies • Courgettes • Peas and Beans - these will need some supports as they grow taller
You will find some really useful information on the plant labels or seed packets. Consider when each variety should be planted and try to stagger your planting rather than put everything in all at the same time. You will also find out how deep and far apart to plant so everything has enough space for its needs.
Remember to water your new plants. Try to keep the soil nicely moist without waterlogging or allowing it to dry out. Keeping the beds weed-free will help otherwise they might overtake your plants. A good-quality plant food can help, but be sure to read the instructions and be careful not to overfeed as this can create problems too.
When they have reached the right size it’s time to harvest your first crops! You can just harvest what you plan to eat, leaving the remaining crops to continue to grow. Alternatively you can harvest more of your veg and plant a second crop if the season allows.
Gardening is such an effective way of lifting our spirits. It is perfect exercise and so good for our well-being. And producing a fantastic crop of delicious fresh home-grown produce too – what could be better? n
Botany Bay Nurseries, Garden Centre & Café Edgioake Lane, Astwood Bank, Redditch. B96 6BG 01527 893885 www.botany-bay.co.uk Find us on Facebook & Instagram
