Photo: www.gardendrum.com
Planting in containers is not only decorative but also ideal for companion planting. Marigolds provide an
excellent companion for their ability to repel certain pests.
(‘Cape Spits) and leeks. All these
are compact growing vegetables
and veggies like lettuce, beetroot
and spinach can be used as borders. Chillies also make beautiful
pot plants.
Vegetables in Containers
Tomatoes can be a bit overwhelming for a garden bed but you can
plant a tomato bush in a large pot
(about 20 liter) and train it up a
trellis or pyramid. To contain its
growth pinch off the growing tips
when it reaches the desired size
otherwise you could have a monster. The small cherry tomato
‘Sweety’ is particularly good in
pots.
Other runner plants like peas and
beans can also be planted in pots
and supported on a frame. Try chil-
lies and eggplant in pots as well.
for longer.
Vegetables for Large Gardens
If you are lucky enough to have
plenty of space you can also grow
the more rambling types of vegetables like squash, patty pans, cucumber, and watermelon. Also remember that many of these can
also be grafted on suitable strong,
disease resistant rootstock.
Keep the soil moist during germination and thin out the seedlings
when they are big enough to handle. For a good crop fertilise with a
balanced organic fertilizer two
weeks after germination and at
monthly intervals after that.
Vegetable Growing Tips
Like herbs, vegetables do best if
grown in a sunny position. Prepare
the beds by digging them over well
and mixing in compost. Growing
veggies from seed is much cheaper
than buying seedlings and most
veggies can be sown in situ. Just
store the left over seeds in the seed
packet in the fridge or in a dark
drawer and they will remain viable
Seedling trays come in different shapes and sizes. Invest in a strong and reusable type.
Photo:www.quickcrop.ie
All the planting instructions are on
the seed packet (planting depth,
final spacing etc) so don’t forget to
read the instructions! To control
insects spray with an organic insecticide that is ECOCERT approved
for use by organic gardeners.
Sources:
http://www.herb.co.za/herbgardening/spring-vegetables.htm
http://beingplants.com/seed/
Some of the heritage tomato varieties are lovely to
look at, tasty to eat and provide high yields.
Photo: www.heirloomtomatoplants.com