Vegetable gardens are, undoubtedly, a fantastic addition to any property’s outdoor space and, most definitely, appeal to a range of people.
What equipment you’ll need to start a vegetable garden from scratch
- Propagation container (for any seeds that require indoor care before being planted outdoors)
- Tiller (to loosen soil)
- Spade
- Trellis (to encourage plants to grow upwards)
- Wheelbarrow
- Garden rake
- Compost bin
- Trellis (for plants to grow upwards)
- Watering can
- Hoe
- Handheld pruner
- Rain collection container
- Basket
Opting to grow your own vegetables is not only popular from an environmentally-friendly perspective, it also encourages more greenery in the garden. What’s more, growing your own vegetables as a family is a fun activity for children and saves money. In addition, you can be sure that you are eating a truly organic product!
In a political climate that favours commerce and industry over greenery and the environment, it seems that now is an excellent time to grow your own vegetable garden from scratch.
That said, you don’t have to be an eco-warrior, vegan activist or member of the green party to get your hands dirty and start your own vegetable garden.
Here at Floral and Hardy, we’ve put together the following simple method for you to follow in order to plant a vegetable garden from scratch.
- Opt for a sunny patch of ground.
Most vegetables will flourish when planted in patches of ground that receive a significant amount of sunlight. Not only does sunlight make vegetable plants that are hardy and disease resistant, the vegetables will taste sweeter. What’s more, for some vegetable plants that do not require sunlight, you can create shade for by using wicker items, as well as other garden materials and equipment. Do your research into what vegetables require sunlight.
- Check your soil.
Although many people are surprised at the fact you do not need a particular type of soil for an effective vegetable garden, it is okay to start a vegetable patch on any type of soil. That said, you should avoid any extreme types of soil, for example, very thin or stony soil will not produce the best crop.
- Make sure your vegetable plot is weed-free.
The non-chemical way of making sure your vegetable plot is weed-free, by pulling out the weeds by their roots before planting anything, is generally best when you want to create a successful vegetable garden.
Perennial weeds with nuisance, and spreading, roots can be combatted by covering the soil with card and topping the card with compost.
- Make sure you sow seeds, according to the advice on the seed packet.
It is essential not to sow the seeds earlier than the recommended time frame for seed sowing as they’ll start growing weaker than if you plant them in the middle or towards the end of the recommended time frame.
- Consider making raised beds
Raised beds are easier to tend to, since they require less bending down on your part. Therefore, you may want to consider planting vegetables that are more difficult to tend to than other plants on the raised flower beds since you’ll be accessing them more often.
10 of the best vegetable seeds to sow in May
Start your vegetable patch with the following seeds for a successful season:
- Turnips
- Swede
- Beetroot
- Spinach
- Brussel sprouts
- Cabbage
- Chicory
- Peas
- Radish
- Swiss chard
Contact Floral and Hardy for more help when starting a vegetable garden from scratch
If you have further questions about how to start a vegetable garden from scratch. You can contact us at Floral and Hardy on our website or by phone.
