Whether you have a green thumb or not, growing your own little garden can be a source of tremendous joy and reward, regardless of your background, age or personal interests. Growing something of our own tickles the nurturers in us and gives us immense satisfaction. It could be a small decorative plant or a downright full-blown tree – whatever it is, we get to see it grow through its very own seasons of change.
However, growing a garden that also gives back in terms of everyday practicality is even better. We’re talking about the kind of garden you could grow vegetables in and the kind that could feed you, at least during some weeks of the year. Let’s see what are the vegetables you should have in your garden and what you should know about growing them:
Tomatoes
Fortunately, tomatoes don’t ask for a lot of space and they can sometimes even grow on balconies. Their harvest time is usually around 12 weeks from planting.
It’s important that during the growing phase you water them regularly and ensure the soil is evenly moist, so the tomatoes don’t develop issues such as splitting or blossom end rot. They also need plenty of light and to be mulched only after the soil warms up.
Pruning and training will differ depending on the type of tomato you choose: cordon tomatoes or bush tomatoes. Once this plant starts offering you tomatoes, you can count on it doing so for up to six full years.
It goes without saying that harvesting your own tomatoes can save you a fair amount of money. Although modest, if you choose to plant other vegetables as well, this kind of saving will add up with others, allowing you to redirect your money towards other needs.
Onions
When we’re talking about onions, we’re talking about the entire onion family, which includes onions, shallots, garlic, leeks, and chives.
When planting onions, for example, it’s essential that you choose sets over seeds, since they establish a lot quicker. If you do so, you can expect them to reach maturity in about 14 weeks. Choose a sunny location, without any shade, that’s rich in well-drained soil.
Garlic is similar in its planting requirements, also in need of a sun-bathed location and well-drained soil. However it is more adaptable, so you can move it around if need be. An ideal time to begin planting your garlic is during the fall months, which will give it time to develop over winter.
Your garlic can typically be harvested in the summer – just make sure its shoots started yellowing and have started falling off.
The planting requirements for leeks are much the same, but they can be planted around May and harvested in either late summer or later, during the fall or winter months. Just make sure you know what variety you’re going for. You can sow the seeds in either pots or modules and keep them moist all throughout.
Cucumbers
Many people love growing cucumbers, since they’re very abundant in the crop they offer and they are pretty quick to grow.
Just like tomatoes, there are two types of cucumbers you can grow: the vining cucumbers and the bush ones. The first will need support to climb on, while the others can be easily grown in a container, so make sure you know which to buy.
It’s also important to know the climbing variety typically offers a lot more cucumbers, so expect a rich crop, if you’ve opted for this sort.
Make sure you plant your cucumbers somewhere where they can get sun for at least six hours a day. Some people say it may be difficult for them to adapt to being transplanted, so it’s best to sow the seeds straight into the soil from the get-go if you have this possibility.
Their soil needs to be well-drained and rich in nutrients. Cucumbers are actually not fussy at all, so these requirements are the bare minimum you could get with a veggie.
In the end, it doesn’t take an experienced gardener to grow a few leeks, garlic cloves, tomatoes, or cucumbers. It’s these types of plants that can ultimately fill your table and feed your family, while also sparing your wallet. All you need is a bit of know-how, the right kind of planting conditions and patience to look after and wait for your beloved plants to grow. After all, if at first you don’t succeed, you can always try again by changing one of the factors involved. Or you can simply try your hand at a different veggie – you’ll ultimately know all the ins and outs of gardening with these plants, just like a pro.
