The Growing Season has Started: Benefits of Your Own Vegetable Garden

The growing season is here again and the warmer weather calls for you to get outside and get your hands in the soil. For many of you who already enjoy keeping houseplants, now is the perfect time to take it a step further and start your own vegetable garden. Growing your own vegetables, herbs and berries has countless benefits, including having fresh, healthy produce readily available, reducing your carbon footprint and providing a relaxing and fulfilling hobby. In this blog post we discuss many essential tips for starting a vegetable garden and which plants you can plant and when for a successful harvest.

What to Plant in your Vegetable Garden and When

Summer crops

• Tomatoes : Start sowing tomatoes indoors in March or April. Transplant them outside after the last frost, usually around May. They are ready for harvest after about 70-85 days.
• Zucchini : Sow zucchini indoors in April and plant them outdoors in May. They grow quickly and can be harvested after about 50-60 days.
• Cucumbers : Sow cucumbers indoors in April and plant them outdoors in May or June. Harvest them after about 50-70 days.
• Peppers : Start peppers indoors in March or April and transplant them outdoors in May or June. They are usually ready to harvest after 70-90 days.

Autumn crops

• Kale : Sow kale directly into the ground starting in July for a late fall harvest. This cold-resistant plant can be harvested in 55-75 days.
• Carrots : Carrots can be sown from July for an autumn or early winter harvest. They are usually ready to harvest after about 70-80 days.

Berries for Color and Taste

• Strawberries : Plant strawberries in May or June. Not only do they provide delicious fruits, but they also add a pop of color to your garden. Harvest them in the summer months.
• Raspberries : Plant raspberry bushes in May for a bountiful harvest from July to October. They are not only tasty, but also rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
• Blueberries : These berries can be planted in May and begin producing in the second year. They are ideal for a long harvest period in summer.

View our full range of vegetable garden plants, including a wide range of berries, to complete your vegetable garden.

Tips for a Successful Vegetable Garden

Start Sowing Indoors

Many plants benefit from starting them indoors before planting them outdoors. This gives them a strong start and protects them from early frost. Use seed trays or small pots and provide sufficient light.

Use of a Small Cash

A small greenhouse can ease the transition from indoors to outdoors. It provides a protected environment where young plants can acclimatize before being exposed to the elements. This is especially useful for heat-sensitive plants such as tomatoes and peppers.

Care and Fertilization

Regular watering is crucial for a healthy vegetable garden. Make sure the soil remains moist, but not soggy. Use organic fertilizers such as Sybasoil worm castings and quality potting soil to stimulate growth and provide your plants with the necessary nutrients. Mulching can also help retain moisture and reduce weed growth. For example, use wood chips or straw.

Pruning and Increasing Fruit Production

For berry bushes, regular pruning is essential to promote plant health and increase fruit production. Remove old or damaged branches and encourage the growth of new shoots. This will result in a more bountiful harvest. Use high quality pruning tools and make sure you prune in the correct season for each plant.

We hope these tips help you start a successful vegetable garden! In the coming weeks we will share more blog posts about maintaining a vegetable garden and other spring tips for both indoor and outdoor plants. Let us know in the comments what specific plants or topics you would like to read more about. Do you have specific questions? Feel free to ask, and we'll answer them in our next blog post!