How to Successfully Grow Vegetables
It is so rewarding to be able to grow your own vegetables. Eating something that you produced yourself gives a great sense of satisfaction, and you can enjoy the knowledge that you are able to eat self sufficiently. There is no denying that it can be a difficult process though, so we have given you a helping hand by putting together some vegetable growing tips:
- Use a mulch. This will help to keep your soil well watered and insulated. The majority of mulches come from organic materials such as compost and manure, so they won’t harm your vegetables. Apply your mulch in autumn and spring to get the maximum effect.
- Keep your soil well watered. Soil moisture should be kept even where possible, as you don’t want to drown your seeds but you also don’t want to risk them drying out.
- Use a fertiliser. This is essential for giving your growing seeds nutrients. You should apply the fertiliser before sowing seeds to help improve the quality of the soil.
- Select a sunny spot. Some vegetables like lettuce, peas and spinach will grow in more shady areas, but most vegetables will thank you for a bit of sun and warmth.
- Choose your seeds carefully. It’s always advisable to buy them from a reputable seller if you want your vegetable plants to grow strong and healthy. If you want to know the best times of year to plant certain seeds, have a look at this calendar from the Royal Horticultural Society:
This great Veg Planner from RHS Grow Your Own is ideal to help you plan your vegetable plot in 2014! pic.twitter.com/k2XS8SE6pK
— The RHS (@The_RHS) February 12, 2014
Follow these tips to help you get started. You will soon get a feel for what is working and what is not, so you’ll be enjoying freshly-grown vegetables straight from the earth in no time at all.