Seasonal vegetable planting guide: What to grow throughout the year

Seasonal vegetable planting guide: What to grow throughout the year

Growing a garden that produces fresh vegetables year-round may seem challenging, but with a little planning and understanding of seasonal planting, you can keep your kitchen stocked with home-grown produce in every season. Here’s a guide to selecting and planting vegetables and fruits that align with each season’s strengths.

Spring planting: Jumpstart your garden

Spring marks the start of the cyclical gardening season; it’s a perfect time to plant crops that thrive in cool, mild weather. Start by sowing fast-growing greens like lettuce, spinach and arugula, which can be ready to harvest in as little as 30 days. Other early spring crops include carrots, peas and radishes, which all do well in cooler soil.

Fruit lovers can begin with strawberries and raspberries, which establish well in spring and will bear fruit plants as summer arrives. Herbs like parsley and chives also thrive in the spring soil, making them perfect for an early herb garden.

Consider adding trellises for vine vegetables like peas and beans to maximise garden space. Regularly thin seedlings for robust growth and to avoid overcrowding.

Summer planting: Embrace heat-loving crops

As temperatures rise, summer becomes the ideal time for heat-loving crops. Tomatoes, cucumbers and courgettes all thrive in the warm weather. Tomatoes, in particular, can be planted in early summer for a steady supply that can last into the autumn. Consider adding quick-growing salad greens, which grow well in summer’s long daylight hours.

Root vegetables like carrots, beetroot and radishes can be planted in the summer for a late-season harvest. Summer is also ideal for planting beans, whether bush or pole varieties, as they’re fast-growing and highly productive. To ensure that plants are well-hydrated and protected from excessive heat, plan for morning or evening watering.

Watermelons and cantaloupes make ideal summer fruit additions and need ample sunlight to ripen, rewarding you with refreshing, juicy fruits by late summer.

Autumn planting: Preparing for cooler days

Autumn brings the return of cooler temperatures, making it ideal for hardy greens and root vegetables. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower all do well in autumn and even improve in flavour with a touch of frost. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips and turnips can also be sown in the early autumn to mature through the season.

For leafy greens, opt for kale, Swiss chard and spinach, which tolerate cooler temperatures and can survive light frosts. Garlic and onions are also well-suited to autumn planting; they’ll stay dormant in winter and be ready for harvest in spring.

Consider using row covers to extend the growing season and protect crops from early frosts. Mulching can help insulate root crops, ensuring they last longer into the cold season.

Winter planting: Embrace hardy crops

Winter gardening is possible with hardy vegetables that can withstand frost and cold temperatures. Options like winter greens, such as spinach, lamb’s lettuce and kale will grow slowly but can be harvested throughout winter. Root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, if mulched, can stay in the ground over winter, providing a continual supply.

If you have a greenhouse or cold frame, you can sow additional crops like lettuce, radishes and spring onions. These protected environments allow for continuous harvesting even when outdoor temperatures drop.

Winter is also a great time to prepare for spring by planning and organising seeds. Start indoor seedlings for early spring crops if you have a warm, sunny window or grow a light setup.

Year-round gardening tips

For continuous harvests, consider succession planting – sowing a new crop every few weeks to ensure that something is always ready to harvest. Companion planting is another strategy, where you plant certain vegetables together to maximise space and support growth. For instance, carrots and onions are great partners, as they repel pests that harm the other.

By implementing seasonal vegetable planting, you can cultivate a thriving garden that yields fresh, seasonal produce throughout the year. Whether you’re growing leafy greens, hearty root vegetables or juicy fruits, seasonal gardening provides a rewarding way to keep your table full of fresh flavours.

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7 gardening tasks you should never skip

7 gardening tasks you should never skip

You may think that gardens can look great with a little neglect, and sure, the wild look can work for a lot of green spaces, but even if you’re going for a free and easy unmanaged look, there are a few gardening tasks you’ll regret skipping…

1. Weeding

Weeding is no one’s favourite thing to do in the garden, and you may forgo it in favour of a cold beer and a cosy seat under the pergola, but if you do, you’ll probably live to regret it. Why? Because if you ignore those weeds, they will get bigger, take over more space, and soon your flowers and crops will be choked out by them. It’s better to have a weeding session every now and again then face the fightback against a jungle, right?

2. Watering

Watering your garden is a bit like making a cup of tea – everyone has an opinion on how it should be done. Over-water, and your plants may get waterlogged and sulk in a puddle. Under-water, and they’ll be gasping for a drink. The key is regular checks, especially during dry spells. Early morning is the optimum time, preventing evaporation and giving your plants a lovely start to the day. Just right, like the Goldilocks of gardening!

3. Tree lopping

Tree lopping isn’t just for the overly tidy types who want their gardens to be perfectly orderly, you know. If you want your trees to stay healthy and give you that stunning foliage you love year after year, it’s essential. Don’t have the skulls or stamina? Call in a professional to do it for you. Sorted!

4. Feeding your plants

Plants need food to grow into the brightest, boldest, best versions of themselves – it really is that simple! Use compost or a suitable fertiliser to give them the nutrients they crave. It’s the equivalent of a vitamin boost – just sprinkle around the base, and they’ll thank you by flourishing.

5. Pest patrol

Ignore the signs of pests at your peril. Left unchecked, these little beasts can wreak havoc faster than you can say “locust plague”. Regularly inspect your plants for tell-tale damage and deal with invaders swiftly using organic methods if possible. It’s a bit like playing detective, but in wellies and with a spray bottle.

6. Mulching

Mulching isn’t just to make your garden beds look pretty. It helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil temperatures steady. Apply a good layer of organic mulch like bark or straw to your beds and see how it can reduce the amount of time you spend watering and weeding. Plus, it gives your garden that “just got dressed” look.

7. Seasonal clean-up

At the end of each season, give your garden a good tidy-up. Remove spent plants, rake up leaves and generally neaten things up. It’s like a reset button for your garden, preparing it for the next season’s growth. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying – it’s the gardener’s version of a deep clean!

Skip these tasks, and you may just find yourself the ruler of a very sad, very dead garden. Is it really worth it?

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5 herbs to grow in your garden in 2023

5 herbs to grow in your garden in 2023

Herbs are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle as eating  them daily may help support the body from the inside out as they provide a wide range of nutrient-rich compounds. This includes vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytochemicals that nature has provided for human consumption. Furthermore, herbs have four major components that flavour dishes and boost health. Such components include essential oils, glycosides and alkaloids; their pleasant aromas give our meals an extra layer of goodness. One must include herbs and spices in their diet for nutritional benefits and unique tastes.

Why are people moving towards growing herbs in their gardens in 2023?

Many people have been growing herbs in their garden this year, and for good reason. Individuals find the experience of gardening and the satisfaction of harvesting their produce stimulating and rewarding. Additionally, cultivating herbs at home allows one to experiment with different spices and seasoning to add range to their cooking repertoire and enhance the flavour of dishes.

Gardening is also an environmentally conscious choice as it reduces waste from store-bought products with packaging and which often requires more transportation before reaching our tables. Lastly, growing herbs is an economic decision since home-grown plants are typically more affordable than purchasing herbs from the supermarket regularly. These factors combine to create an appealing option for consumers wishing to regain control over how they access fresh produce.

5 herbs to grow in your garden

1. Lavender

Lavender is an attractive, fragrant, low-maintenance herb that can add life and interest to any garden. Its gentle aroma can fill the air, and the purple flowers attract pollinating insects. Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and direct sunlight and is suitable for growing direct in the ground or pots. Whether you choose a single plant or a grouping, lavender is a beautiful choice to jazz up your garden. And with plentiful benefits such as improved relaxation and enhanced sleep quality, this helpful herb provides additional comfort for homeowners looking to promote overall health and well-being.

2. Mint

Mint is a popular herb for your garden due to its hardy nature and great flavour. It prefers moist soil and partial sun, so it can sometimes be more suitable for shady patches than direct sunlight. Planting mint in containers is also an excellent way to ensure the roots don’t spread too far out and overrun other parts of your landscaping. Harvesting it regularly helps keep the leaves fresh, sweet-smelling, and full of flavour throughout the growing season – perfect for garnishing salads or adding a tangy kick to tea!

3. CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, has become a popular topic lately but what many people don’t know is that it is an excellent herb to grow in the garden. It’s relatively easy to cultivate and requires very little maintenance. With light watering and good sunlight, CBD plants will multiply and you can enjoy its attractive foliage in no time. Its beautiful leaves come in shades of green, purple and even pink, making it an aesthetically pleasing addition to any garden. Moreover, accessing quality CBD oil in UK after harvesting your plant can be far cheaper than buying it from stores. Cannabidiol could genuinely be a great decorative shrub for your urban outdoors!

If you were wondering – yes, it’s currently legal to grow hemp in the UK. However, you’d need to apply for a license from the Home Office to grow hemp in your garden. Moreover, only hemp plants with less than 0.02% THC are permitted to be grown in the UK.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary is a delightful addition to any garden. It’s low maintenance and drought tolerant, making it an ideal plant for almost any environment. To get the best results, position your rosemary in an area that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil with a pH of around 6-7. Regular pruning in spring can encourage good growth, while fertilising once or twice a year will promote lush foliage. When harvesting the leaves, trim just above where leaves join stems not to disturb the plant’s natural shape and vigorous growth habits. Occasional watering during dry spells will prevent wilting, but too much moisture may make it susceptible to soft rot fungus and other diseases. With proper care and attention, rosemary can provide mouth-watering flavour to your culinary creations for many seasons!

5. Sage

Growing sage in your garden can be an excellent experience for both novice and experienced gardeners. Sage is hardy and relatively easy to grow, provided you have the right conditions. This herb prefers full sun, though it can withstand some light shade. Soil with good drainage is essential; the soil pH should range between 5.6 and 6.8 (slightly acidic to neutral). Watering sage frequently but lightly during dry spells will ensure optimal growth.

Additionally, mulching is recommended to help conserve water and prevent weed growth. Lastly, pruning should be done regularly to allow new shoots to develop and become more vigorous plants with more potent aroma.

Things to bear in mind when growing herbs in your garden in 2023

If you plan to plant herbs in your garden this year, there are a few things to remember:

  • Begin by finding the right location: herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to thrive.
  • Also, herbs require good soil drainage; waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and quickly kill plants.
  • When it comes time to water your herbs, watch for signs that they might be thirsty; look for curling or wilting leaves and water accordingly.
  • Observe if your herbs begin to display discolouration or insect damage. It could be time to use some gentle organic pest control methods like introducing helpful predatory insects into your garden or using neem oil spray.
  • Finally, when harvesting your herbs, ensure you leave sufficient leaves on each plant, as it’s essential for allowing them to continue producing healthy foliage and flowers!

Conclusion

In conclusion, growing herbs is a great way to access fresh and tasty ingredients while adding a bit of natural beauty to your home. Most herbs are incredibly easy to grow and require little maintenance or effort. Planting herbs in pots allows you to enjoy their fresh flavour outside your door or indoors in window containers. Additionally, many herbs have medicinal properties that can be used for healing or incorporated into health and wellness routines. Dozens of herb varieties thrive in various climates, from cold temperate regions to hot, humid ones. With the proper care and attention, anyone can successfully grow herbs at home and reap the many benefits they offer!

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How to take your vegetable patch to the next level

How to take your vegetable patch to the next level

If you love gardening and you’re looking for a great way to eat fresh and healthy foods, you may already have created your very own vegetable patch.

No matter what vegetables you enjoy eating, your vegetable patch enables you to grow them from the comfort of your own home. It’s an exciting and adventurous way to eat nutrient-rich foods.

Your vegetable patch will also save you money buying groceries and it’s amazing for the environment as it completely cuts out any transportation pollution.

You may have already had a vegetable patch for years. You may have established your daily gardening routine to grow delicious and nutritious vegetables.

But if you’ve been wanting to give your veg patch a new lease of life, what can you do? How can you modernise your vegetable patch?

Here are some great ways in which you can transform your vegetable patch to give it a new lease of life.

Raised bed of chard plants

Buy some new planters

Of course, the stars of the show in any vegetable patch are the vegetables themselves. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to the pots and planters that you use.

If you’ve had the same planters for years, it might be time to switch things up! Your planters add the gorgeous finishing touches that elevate your garden patch to a brand-new level.

Buy some brand new PureModern’s trough planters and use them to grow your smaller vegetables. Whatever style or colour you enjoy, you can find lots of high-quality options that will look great in your garden.

Wooden trug of colourful vegetables

Grow different coloured vegetables

Your vegetable patch is there to grow the vegetables that you enjoy eating. But, wherever possible, try to find a variety of vegetables of all different colours.

Planting a rainbow of vegetables will make your vegetable patch look vibrant and full of life when the plants are in bloom.

Try growing tomatoes, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli and potatoes. All of these different colours will complement each other perfectly!

Different colours usually correlate to different amounts of each micro-nutrient. Therefore, growing and eating lots of different veggies can boost your health and well-being.

Planting vegetable seedlings

Give your plants room to grow

Nothing looks worse than a cluttered vegetable patch! Even if you’re working with a small amount of space, it’s important to give your vegetable room to grow properly.

Leaving enough room for proper growth not only makes your garden look more inviting and visually pleasing but it will also ensure you get maximum yield from your vegetables. More room to grow means larger vegetables and more fresh food for you and your family.

When planting your seeds, think about the amount of space the vegetables are going to need when they germinate. You’ll need to spread the seeds of larger vegetables across a larger surface area for obvious reasons.

A popular method of planting flowers and seeds is the Triangle Method. As the name suggests, this involves planting in triangular shapes. The Triangle Method is thought to be the most space-efficient way for you plants to grow optimally.

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