Grow your own fruit and veg: The beginners guide

Growing your own fruit and veg for beginners – sound too much like hard work? It’s actually easier than you think. Planting your own food is a great way to eat for less, eat fresh, and pack in your five-a-day. Research suggests 72% of us are interested in growing our own produce, so why do so many of us put it off?

You don’t need to be a gardening pro to create some home-grown goodness. Here are some tips on how to get started…

Sunny spaces

Make the most of the sunny spaces your garden has to offer. Your fruit or veg can only thrive if it’s exposed to the right lighting and kept away from sheltered areas. Cut back any overhang from trees and plants to achieve the ideal setting. It doesn’t have to be a big space either – any space will do, but you should avoid crowding your plants to give them plenty of breathing room. The recommended spacing is between eight to ten inches!

Soil

Rich soil encourages healthy growth and creates an environment for your fruits and vegetables to reach their full potential. You can buy different soils for different plant types, but if you’re planning on having a fruit or veg patch, it’s recommended that you opt for garden soil and organic soil conditioner. Remember your soil needs to be moist, rich and the pH levels should be where they need to be. There are kits available to keep your pH levels in check.

I’m not a good enough gardener

Don’t be put off growing your own fruit and veg because of a lack of gardening experience. Do your research and start with some of the easier-to-grow fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Cucumbers and squashes also require minimal attention. ‘Growing your own’ should be fun, and the only way to learn when it comes to gardening is to experiment.

Feed them up

Your food needs fuel. Plenty of water is great, but a healthy plant needs other nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and nitrogen. The nutrients needed depend on the plant, so be sure to check which ones they need. Many fertilizers have a majority of the ingredients needed for a happy veg patch, but always double-check, as It’s vital for their survival!

The right tools

Lastly, a good gardener is only as good as their tools. Many beginners struggle with what tools they need to grow their own grub. The items below are going to make gardening life much easier:

  • Shears
  • Gloves
  • Gardening knife
  • A trowel
  • A pitchfork
  • Watering can or hose
  • A rake
  • Digging spade

Feel like you’ve got more gardening know-how? ‘Growing your own’ requires time, patience and a whole lot of learning, but now you’ve got the basics, your fruit or veg patch will have all the essentials needed to flourish.

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