What month should I start planting vegetables and what are the easiest ones to grow?
GROWING your own vegetables can be a rewarding and cost effective way to eat healthier.
Veggies come in many shapes and sizes but caring for them is quite simple.
When should I start planting vegetables?
Vegetables need to be planted at the right time to get the most plentiful harvest and save money on groceries.
Lots can impact when is the best time to start planting such as climate and type of veggie.
The sowing season in the UK is Spring, so March to May is the best time for planting.
Once planted the harvest time can vary so make sure you know when to gather up your crops.
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Root vegetables tend to be a bit hardier and can survive a later planting and harvest.
Planning is key to growing a plentiful garden.
What are the easiest vegetables to grow?
There are some vegetables that thrive particularly well in the UK with little interference.
This makes them ideal for first time gardeners or people who want an easy crop.
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Some do requiring pruning and attention, especially keep an eye out for pests eating your harvest before you can.
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The easiest vegetables to grow are:
Salad leaves
Sow: In the Summer.
Harvest: Three weeks later.
Radishes
Sow: Four weeks after last frost.
Harvest: A month later.
Potatoes
Sow: Anytime in March.
Harvest: July through to September.
Peas
Sow: From March to June.
Harvest: Two to three months later.
Spring onions
Sow: From March to July.
Harvest: After eight weeks.
Broad beans
Sow: From November to March.
Harvest: From June onwards.
Runner beans
Sow: From April to July.
Harvest: Two months later.
Onions and Garlic
Sow: In Spring.
Harvest: In late Autumn.
Tomatoes
Sow: From February to April.
Harvest: Between July and October.
Beetroot
Sow: From March to July.
Harvest: May through to September.
What do I need to start planting vegetables?
Most importantly you need a sunny spot, be that in a greenhouse, in a window box or in the garden.
Your crop will not grow if it is in the shade or dark all the time.
Make sure it is easily accessible with water or you have a watering can handy.
Prep the soil for planting by weeding your garden or filling your planters with fresh new soil.
If you have planted previously, prep the patch at least two weeks in advance so if there are any leftover seeds they can germinate and you can remove them.
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Chalk or clay based soils are great for vegetables, fill the beds with some compost and top soil too.
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A neutral pH is best if you can invest in a pH test kit.
The final step is to gather your planting equipment and dig in.