Creating vegetable gardens has grown in popularity in recent years (‘scuse the pun), and the great news is, starting a vegetable garden is actually pretty easy, not to mention very rewarding having a source of growing your own food.
So, given Autumn is now upon us, why not get started on creating your very own winter vegetable garden? Here’s an easy ‘how to’ to get you on your way…
Getting started
As rainfall increases during winter, having ample drainage for your garden is essential. Raised gardens are best for combating a water-logged vege patch, however, if a garden centre kitset is a little out your price-range, simply ensuring your soil is exposed to as much light as possible, could just do the trick.
Preparation
Now’s the time to start removing all those summer plants that are no longer producing and giving the soil a good dig and mix through. If you can add a soil-enriching compost and/or blood and bone, even better.
What to plant
Whilst there are a myriad of options as to what you can plant in your vegetable garden, here are a few of our favourite easy-to-grow veges to get you started…
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Peas
- Parsnips
- Rhubarb
- Silverbeet
- Spinach
Maintenance
With plenty of rain and less vege-eating pests during winter, maintence of your garden is, thankfully, reduced. Applying pea straw to your garden is a great idea as it’s quick and easy to lay, keeps the root zone of your winter plants warm, and keeps the weeds at bay. The pea straw eventually breaks down, further enriching the soil with organic matter.
Quick Tip: While slug-baiting is often recommended, do opt for something that’s not harmful to children and animals. You can even do a little ‘investigoogling’ to find some natural pest preventatives that you can make yourself. Baking soda mixed with water (one teaspoon of baking soda to 1.5L of water) is very effective. Another little gem if you have a planter box – run a line of copper tape around the outside of the box and snails will not pass over the tape.
Now get planting and enjoy reaping the benefits of creating your very own winter vegetable garden.
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