FOOD + DRINK
A SIMPLE
KITCHEN GARDEN
THE EPITOME OF FOOD MILES FOR KENT ’ S MOST SUSTAINABLE RESTAURANTS , A KITCHEN GARDEN IS AN EASY FIRST FORAY INTO THE GROW-YOUR-OWN MOVEMENT . FROM TRAY TO WINDOW BOX , GARDEN PLOT TO ALLOTMENT , HERE ARE insideKENT ’ S TOP PLANT PICKS FOR YOUR VEGGIE PATCH :
1 . Lettuce / Salad Leaves
The perfect easy vegetable start , you don ’ t even need a garden to grow your own salad leaves . Simply sow your seeds into a tray of moist compost , place on a sunny windowsill and enjoy a fresh , crunchy crop in as little as three weeks - perfect for your lunchtime spring sandwich / salad ! For a steady summer supply , sow new seeds every couple of weeks , just eat as soon as you crop to prevent the dreaded wilt .
2 . Tomatoes
The poster child for home-grown-goodness , the far from humble tomato is easiest to grow by planting grafted and garden-ready tomato plants straight into tomato grow bags . Chose low-maintenance bush varieties to avoid needing canes but remember to water regularly and add a high potash feed every couple of weeks to aid your juicy crop .
3 . Spring Onions
Ready to harvest is just eight weeks , these easy to grow veggies are a great spring planting choice that can be grown in window boxes , containers or the ground , and will be ready to elevate your summer salads and stir fries in no time . Sow them thinly , roughly 1cm deep and keep sowing every couple of weeks to keep your summer supply up . For the best flavour harvest when they reach 15cm tall .
4 . Carrots
Lovers of a sunny spot , choose an early variety for spring planting and ensure you use well-drained soil . Your crop , which can be planted for container growing and will not require much watering , will be ready in around three months . Remember slightly smaller carrots will have the best flavour , so don ’ t wait for them to grow too big !
5 . Peas
From shelling peas to crunchy mangetout and sugar snaps , peas are the perfect choice if you live in a cool and damp area . Sow directly into the ground up until June , supporting these climbers with canes and chicken wire . Your peas will be ready two to three months later - perfect for alfresco fresh dishes ! And the best bit ? The more you pick , the more your pea plant will produce - hurrah !
6 . Potatoes
The hero of the homegrown veggie patch , the easiest way to grow your own spuds is by planting seed potatoes in large tubs or bags on your patio . Plant your tubers in plenty of compost , water them well and ‘ earth up ’ your potato shoots as they grow . To harvest , simply tip your bag or tub out onto a sheet and hunt for your spud !
7 Beetroot
Super-easy and super-delicious , beetroot is a fab root vegetable to grow at home . Sow your cluster seeds , ( which means you ’ re likely to get several plants from one seed ) into moist ground or compost , about 15cm deep and 5cm spaced . They ’ ll be ready to harvest ( and pickle , make into soup , or grate into your salad …) once they reach the size of a golf ball , sometime between May and September .
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