For those who don’t fancy paying $12 for a head of lettuce, the good news is that amongst others, it’s one of the easiest vegetables to grow in your own garden.
According to research conducted from the first ever Pandemic Gardening Survey, getting our hands dirty in our backyards has literally been a lifesaver. In fact, almost 20% of respondents said they could not have made it through the pandemic without their garden, and a further 62% said their garden meant a great deal to them during the turbulent periods of lockdown.
Along with their substantial mental health benefits, edible gardens have the power to create greener cities, reduce household waste, strengthen community connectedness, enhance food security and encourage fresh produce consumption.
While most of us already know that even simple additions like the humble veggie patch have immense power to do good, what are the easiest vegetables to grow for those looking to jump on the bandwagon?
The Easiest Vegetables To Grow For Beginners
The first port of call for many budding green thumbs is to create a vegetable patch. While relatively easy to maintain, the efforts of gardeners are usually rewarded with a range of herbs, fruits and vegetables that can be used to provide all sorts of sustenance. If you’re a fan of literally reaping what you sow, here are the easiest vegetables to grow.
Potatoes – As many gardening enthusiasts already know, potatoes are cheap, easy to grow and packed with a variety of nutrients. Along with being an incredibly versatile root vegetable and a dinner time staple in many households, potatoes are underground tubers that can grow almost anywhere so long as there isn’t any exposure to frost.
Lettuce – Lettuce is a cool-season crop, so in hotter winter climates like Queensland, you may get better results growing it in a cooler, shadier spot that still offers at least six hours of sunlight. Along with being a staple in many types of salads, the best part is that lettuces can be ready for harvest in as little as thirty days, or when your lettuce is big enough based on your preferences.
Carrots – Carrots should be ready for harvest between sixty and eighty days after planting, and the diameter of their roots will often indicate when they’re ready to come out of the soil. For a quicker option that roasts up much more sweetly than the larger varieties, baby carrots can also be harvested in as little as fifty days.
Tomatoes – As a tried and true veggie patch staple, tomatoes have long been regarded as tolerant and one of the easiest vegetables to grow for beginners. They are at their happiest when watered at regular intervals, are protected from a variety of ailments such as blight and insects, and have the right types of trestles or support systems in place.
Pumpkin – Regarded as one of the most hardy vegetable plants around, if you give pumpkin an inch – it will take a mile. Ensure that you protect them with a layer of mulch though, as they can be susceptible to rust and powdery mildew. Avoid watering in the evening as this can lead to disease issues, and your pumpkins will be ready in 90 to 120 days.
Cucumber – Much like pumpkin, cucumbers are easy to grow and can go wild if left untamed. If space is an issue, train the vines by using a trellis and ensure that they get plenty of water until fruit starts forming. While mulching is also important to ensure the shallow roots don’t dry out, your cucumbers can be ready to harvest in as little as eight weeks.
If you’re new to the world of growing vegetables at home, it’s crucial to protect them against any unwanted invaders if you want a decent harvest. Although healthy soil is one of the most effective ways to proactively fend off pests and diseases, tackling weeds is a whole other story. Using chemicals on fruit is a big no-no, especially if you plan on consuming your harvest – so what’s the alternative?
Introducing A Safer Way To Spray
Bioweed is an organic, non selective weed killer that works fast on contact with the weed, in order to rapidly desiccate and burn even the most stubborn of plants. It can be used anywhere around the house including garden beds, veggie patches, paths and driveways, and is safe to use around children, animals and even native wildlife.
The best part? Bioweed is the brainchild of well established agricultural leaders greenPRO, and is backed by over twenty years of research and development. Owned and manufactured in Australia, the primary ingredient of Bioweed is actually sustainably sourced pine oil, and is even approved by NASAA, ACO and APVMA for use around organic farms and food production.
If you’re on the hunt for a weed killer that’s safe to use around pets or kids, or simply want to know more about eliminating weeds safely – check out other tips and tricks in our online advice forum, or contact us for any further queries.