How to start your own Vegetable Garden

Choosing a site for your Vegetable Garden 

It is important to select an area that has high exposure to the sun and is sheltered from the wind.  Steer clear of large trees as their roots will compete with the vegetables for space, nutrients and water. The soil must be well-draining, therefore if the soil is stony add top soil.   If the soil  has a lot of clay, you may choose to use raised beds to improve drainage.

PREPARE THE SOIL

Once you are certain the drainage is suitable, it is time to prepare the soil. Soil preparation for vegetable gardens is similar for herbs in that it should have plenty of light, well-drained, crumbly soil, but most vegetables will grow satisfactorily in fairly heavy soil provided there is good drainage. Dig the soil to a depth of about 25cm,  remove all weeds and break up clods to bring the soil to a moderately fine texture. If the soil lacks humus, place 5-10cm of organic matter, such as straw and compost, on the surface and dig in to spade depth. At the same time, apply animal manure, blood and bone, or a complete fertiliser.

SEEDS OR SEEDLINGS

Whether you use seeds or seedlings will depend on the size of your plot and how many mouths you need to feed. Vegetables can also be grown separately in pots, which is ideal for apartment dwellers. All vegetables differ in their planting and harvesting season- here is a rough guide.

1. Tomatoes, sweet corn, squash, egg plants, melons, capsicums, cucumbers, potatoes, pumpkins and beans are Warm season vegetables (plant Spring  and summer, harvest anytime from late summer to late Autum)
2. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, onions, shallots, peas, spinach, turnips and broad beans are Cool season vegetables (plant Autum to Late Winter) harvest late Winter to Early Summer)
3. All season vegetables (less affected by season temperatures) cabbage, carrots, celery, leeks, lettuce, parsnips, radish, beetroot and silver beet. Some climbing vegetables, such as beans and tomatoes, require supporting stakes.

WATERING

Fresh and tender vegetables are the result of deep watering, soil preparation and soluable fertiliser. Lite sprinkles bring roots to the surface so soak your plot and then use compost or mulch to retain the soil moisture.

GARDEN PESTS

Snails and slugs are the main offenders but they can be controlled with pellets. Some gardeners make their own organic pesticides that taste so terrible that your pests will move on.  Two examples are mixing garlic, chilli and onion or by mixing kelp and neem oil.

Making your own organic pesticide from household leftover vegetables is a great natural alternative to using chemicals and they really work well. You need to break up the soil to about 25cm deep at the same time adding the pesticide mixture.

How to start your own Vegie Garden +

How to set up a Drip Irrigation System for your Vegetable Garden  >