Kiddipedia
Often one of the biggest factors stopping Aussies from growing their own veggies is not knowing where to start or what to plant. While many might want to begin with their favourites, it’s a good idea to start with the basics.
Narelle Peart from Scotts Performance Naturals says, “Too often I hear of beginner green thumbs calling it quits because they have tried and failed at growing vegetables. It’s often due to planting them in the wrong season. Gardening is such a healthy, fun and rewarding pastime so it is important to build up skills gradually to avoid throwing in the towel.”
For those wanting to kick start their veggie patches, Narelle has compiled a list of her “top five” vegetables for beginners:
Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the quickest and easiest vegetables to start with. All you need to do is sow a few seeds inside in a pot or directly in your veggie patch, and the outer leaves will be ready to harvest within a month. As the weather begins to warm, make sure to choose a heat-tolerant variety to ensure they grow happy and healthy.
Beetroot
Similar to lettuce, beetroot is known for its ability to grow quickly. Make sure to sow seeds directly into shallow channels in the soil and, with regular watering, they can be harvested in just a few weeks. For optimum results use a specialised tomato, vegetable and herb fertiliser which is boosted with calcium to ensure your plants maintain healthy growth.
Potatoes
It’s hard to go wrong when growing potatoes. For a large, healthy crop, start by planting potatoes with sprouting ‘eyes’ direct in the ground or into a bag of potting mix. Once leaves begin to appear, build the soil up the stems to cover them. Continue doing this until the soil is about 40cm up the stems. Potatoes will be ready to dig up when the plants have flowered and are starting to die off. Make sure to avoid planting or harvesting during the height of summer, as hot, humid weather increases the chances of fungal diseases.
Bush Tomatoes
Of all the different types of tomatoes, bush tomatoes are the easiest to grow. They do not need supporting and their side shoots don’t have to be pinched off. To protect your bush tomatoes against blossom end rot and other diseases, invest in a premium potting mix that includes a specialised tomato and vegetable and herb fertiliser. Make sure it has the Australian Standard red tick on the bag which means your potting mix meets the premium standard and ensures that your veggies have all the nutrients they need to grow.
Peas
Another great crop that’s ready to pick in three months is peas. To sow, dig a hole and insert seeds 3cm deep. Add a slow release fertiliser as soon as flowers appear. Peas climb using shoots called tendrils that wrap around anything they come into contact with, so make sure you have support in place.
For more gardening information visit www.lovethegarden.com.au
