Calling all green thumbs! Autumn’s the perfect time to grow your own veggies or give your veggie patch some much-needed love.
We have a big organic veggie garden full of fresh produce here at The Lake House Denmark, and over the years (and after many mistakes) we have learnt a few lessons on how to grow your own veggies. As such, we want to share some of our nifty gardening tips and tricks with you, so you can watch your veggie patch flourish.
10 tips and tricks for growing a successful veggie patch
- Compost
Started composting yet? It’s one of the easiest ways to get rid of kitchen waste in a natural and incredibly useful way. Compost adds nutrients to your plants and helps retain soil moisture, making it great for your garden. Here’s how to start composting.
- Add mulch to your garden.
A successful veggie patch often comes down to its soil. Keep it moist and weed-free with a generous layer of mulch.
- Plant fruit and veggies.
‘Tis the season to grow your own veggies. Try growing lettuce, spinach, radishes and cabbage – great choices for gardens that have less sunlight or are suspectable to frost. It’s also the perfect time to plant citrus trees and bulbs while the soil is still warm!
- Feed your plants.
Plants get hungry too! Feed them with a slow release fertiliser, which will keep them staying healthy and well-nourished all season long.
- Fight the pests.
No one likes a pest, especially the ones that wreaking havoc on the garden. Stop them in their tracks by planting garlic, onions, chive and chrysanthemums. Not only will you have some beautiful additions to your autumn and winter produce haul, but you’ll also help repel those nasty insects from your prized crops.
- Get rid of weeds.
Weeds can invade your veggie patch quickly, so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as they sprout. Lucky for you, Autumn’s cooler temperatures make it prime time for a spot of weeding.
- Prune trees.
Give your trees a little prune before winter kicks in. Remove dead or dying branches to promote new growth and keep your trees looking lush and strong.
- Be waterwise.
Plants love plenty of water, but that doesn’t mean you have to overdo it! We recommend watering your garden first thing in the morning, which allows your plants to retain moisture better throughout the day. We also like to give our fruit and veg a nice dep drink a couple of times a week, rather than watering every single day. So don’t forget to check the moisture of the soil before you water, so you don’t over-hydrate.
- Bring potted plants indoors.
Not all plants can handle the harsh conditions of winter. If you’ve got potted plants, bring them inside before it gets too cold. This will ensure they are safely protected from the elements.
- Protect your plants from frost.
For plants that are susceptible to frost damage, try covering them with empty milk bottles and plastic containers. Not only will they help to keep frost out, they’ll create a mini greenhouse effect around your fruit and veggies.
Growing in our veggie garden
