Maintaining
Whether in the ground or in containers, consistent
moisture is important. Vegetables in the ground
or raised beds will require moisture once or twice
per week, while containers may require water
daily (even more on very hot, dry days). Self-
watering containers such as Tomato Barrel and
Earth Box will maintain moisture for you, while
watering spikes such as the Plant Nanny are great
for topping up water while you’re away.
Fertilizer is essential for a healthy harvest. While most
veggies will only require fertilizing about once every
couple of weeks, tomatoes and peppers are heavy
feeders. An easy way to ensure consistent nutrients
for the whole garden is Off the Vine. This granular
fertilizer is simply spread at the base of each plant or
seed row when planting, then applied twice more
through the season (about every 4 weeks). It will
provide a slow release of nutrients every time the
plants receive moisture. Heavy feeders will appreciate
both granular fertilizer and a water soluble feeding
once per week. Great choices for water soluble fertilizers
are 15-30-15 or liquid kelp.
Top 5 Veggies to Try
Leafy Greens
One of the easiest to grow, greens such
as lettuce, kale and swiss chard are best
started in the garden early in spring - they
love the cold! They require only partial sun
and very little fertilizer, and fit easily in
pots or even amongst the plants in your
flower garden. Most can be harvested as
needed by snipping and picking leaves,
plants will keep on producing more!
Greenland Pick: Swiss Chard - excellent
for wraps or sautéed with garlic and oil,
this green will produce well into October
with bright colourful stalks.