EDIBLE GARDENING
Whether you have a large backyard or a tiny balcony the trend to 'Grow your own' is quickly gaining popularity. Studies show that the largest growth industry in gardening in the last year has been the sales of seeds, vegetables, fruit trees, and berry bushes. Many feel that it is in direct relation to our economic times which may hold true but for anyone who has grown their own food it simply just tastes better!
If you have never tried growing your own then start simple with a patio tomato and some fresh basil in a planter.
Key factors in a successful vegetable garden are;
Good Light - at least 6 hrs a day
Rich Soil - loamy, well drained soil with lots of composted manure is important
Good Air Circulation - don't plant your veggies too close the better the air movement the less chance of disease. powdery mildews and blights.
Fertilize - whether you are organic or not fertilizing your vegetable plants regularly helps to increase the crop yields and promote healthy strong plants.
Water - regular watering promotes deep root systems and healthier plants
STOCK UP
Problems can come on quickly so it is important to have a well stocked Garden Shed
1. Stakes, twine, twist ties help keep plants upright and reduce the risk of branches breaking when fruit gets heavy
2. Insecticidal Soap - great eco friendly pest control a gardeners best friend in the height of the summer.
3. Sulphur - this is your best defence against leaf diseases, powdery mildew and blights which come on quickly in hot humid weather.
4. Fertilizer - there are several different ways to feed your plants. Always have on hand fertilizers that are geared towards veggies or tomatoes specifically. Organic conscience growers should have seaweed/kelp based natural fertilizers as well as bone meal and bloodmeal.
It's not too late to plant a garden! I just spent last weekend with my family and friends pick axing a rocky garden space kindly donated by my friends and shovelling truckloads of pooh to amend the soil. Once we were done( sore, sunbaked and tired) we decided that the harvest from that garden was definitely going to taste better than anything we'd ever planted before. The kids learned the merits of hard work( they were paid a penny a rock, twenty five cents for the bigger ones) and now most importantly will be able to watch the seeds and plants grow. Gardens are good for the enviroment, educational, and great for the soul, although I can barely lift my arms to type this!
We've still got lots of veggies to choose from, we've filled the greenhouse with our second batch of plantings.
POTATO/ONION BLOW OUT
Late planting? Didn't sprout yet?
All potato and onion sets are now 1/2 price!!!
