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GROW YOUR OWN
THERE ’ S NOTHING QUITE AS REWARDING AS HARVESTING YOUR OWN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES STRAIGHT FROM THE GARDEN . KENT , WITH ITS TEMPERATE CLIMATE AND FERTILE SOIL , PROVIDES THE PERFECT SETTING FOR GROWING A VARIETY OF PRODUCE . WHETHER YOU ’ RE A SEASONED GARDENER OR A BEGINNER , THESE TIPS WILL HELP YOU GET STARTED ON YOUR JOURNEY TO CONNECT WITH NATURE , ENJOY FRESH , ORGANIC PRODUCE AND PERHAPS EVEN TO VEG SELF-SUFFICIENCY !
1 . PLAN YOUR PLOT
Before you begin , assess the space you have . Kent benefits from moderate rainfall and good sunshine , making it ideal for most crops . Choose a sunny spot for most vegetables , as they thrive with at least six hours of sunlight a day . Raised beds or pots are excellent options if you ’ re short on space .
2 . CHOOSE CROPS WISELY
Focus on crops that grow well in Kent ’ s climate . Hardy vegetables like carrots , kale and beetroot are reliable year-round , while tomatoes , courgettes and peppers flourish in the summer . For fruits , strawberries , raspberries and apples are great choices .
3 . PREPARE YOUR SOIL
Good soil is the foundation of successful gardening . The South East ’ s loamy soil is ideal for many crops but can vary . Improve drainage and fertility by adding organic compost or well-rotted manure . Consider testing your soil ’ s pH and nutrient levels for best results .
4 . PLANT WITH THE SEASONS
Timing is crucial . Start sowing seeds indoors in late winter or early spring for tender crops like tomatoes . Direct sow hardy vegetables like carrots and parsnips in March or April . For autumn and winter harvests , plant kale and leeks in mid-summer .
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