The desire for fresh, homegrown, organic food continues to inspire people to grab a shovel, dig up a vegetable plot and get planting. Check out our guide to starting your own vegetable patch. Even though it may look complicated, most vegetables are quite easy to grow!

Where to plant

The most critical starting point for your vegetable patch, is deciding where to place your crops so they have the best chance of success. Pick an unsuitable position and you’ll be fighting an uphill battle from day one.

Climate

Spring and summer vegetables need at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Any less and you’ll find harvests and plant quality will decrease. You will also be more likely to have problems with pests and diseases if plants are lacking light.

Space

Be sure to allocate adequate space for the vegetable you want to grow, without creating an area that’s too big for you to manage. Starting small can often pay off in the long run.

Soil

The better the soil, the better the harvest. If you can get the soil quality right from the beginning, your plants will be sure to flourish.

Your soil should be nice and crumbly, easy to dig, and rich with organic nutrients. It is also important that water can drain from the soil freely.

Using an improved soil mix bought from a garden supplier may save you a lot of time and stress if you find your soil is too dry and crumbly. To really help your plants thrive you could also opt for an organic soil blend or vegetable growing mix.

What to plant

The best starting point when you’re deciding what to plant is to look at the vegetables you use most or find the hardest to source.

If you’re stuck on deciding what to plant, have a chat to the team at your local garden centre. They’ll be able to give you advice on what seeds or seedlings are best for your area at that time of year.

Maintenance

The more love you put into your vegetable garden, the better the result! A little time spent on a regular basis will see you getting great returns.

Using a high-quality fertiliser will help nourish your soil and vegetables. Keep an eye out for pests, especially caterpillars and be sure to water your vegetable bed regularly especially during warm and dry weather.

Keep an eye out for our next blog post for more landscape and gardening inspiration!