As the vibrant hues of winter begin to fade and the gentle warmth of spring emerges, it’s time to prepare to new breathe life back into your garden. Now is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening gloves, and embark on a journey of planting a diverse array of veggies, herbs, and fruits that will thrive in the upcoming season.
Planning the perfect setting
Just as a painter selects the right canvas, choosing the optimal environment for your vegetable garden is crucial. Consider these pointers to create an ideal home for your upcoming plant companions:
Sunny sanctuary: Select a sun-kissed spot in your garden that basks in ample sunlight. Remember, the size of your garden plays a role in the types of vegetables you can nurture.
Expansive gardens: Embrace rapid spreaders like squash, cucumber, and watermelon.
Cosy corners: Opt for compact wonders such as spinach, beetroot, lettuce, and leeks.
Pots of potential: For pot gardens, herbs, cherry tomatoes, peas, beans, and eggplants shine.
Nurturing soil: Begin your gardening journey with a fresh palette by clearing your chosen area of winter’s remnants. Make sure your soil is a welcoming haven by enriching it with nutrients. Replace sand-laden or rocky soils, or enhance the existing soil with compost or fertilisers.
Seeds of promise: Embark on a cost-effective journey by growing veggies from seeds. This not only saves you money, but it also allows you to store leftover seeds for future use. Each vegetable boasts its own growth requirements, conveniently outlined on the seed packets—covering planting depth, spacing, and watering schedules.
Read more: Grow your own first aid kit in your garden
Welcoming Spring’s bounty
Between mid-August and the end of October, your salad garden can take root, ensuring a steady supply of fresh greens. Imagine enjoying homegrown tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, sprouts, and radishes as accompaniments to your meals. For a more comprehensive spring spread, consider including:
Basil, celery, coriander, and fennel infuse your dishes with aromatic freshness. Peppers, carrots, runner beans, and sweetcorn add colour and crunch to your garden and plate. Pumpkins and baby marrows offer a vivid burst of summer’s essence.
Read more: Why you should start your own herb garden
Tailoring to your region
Given South Africa’s diverse climates, planting recommendations vary by province:
Eastern Cape: From beans to melons, an array of choices awaits.
Western Cape: Delight in beans, lettuce, and tomatoes to flourish.
KwaZulu-Natal: Enjoy the likes of cabbage, peppers, and Swiss chard.
Gauteng, Free State, Northwest, Limpopo, Mpumalanga: From peas to spinach, options abound.
Northern Cape: From beetroot to spinach, your garden can flourish.
The best time to start is now! This spring, let your fingers turn green, cultivate self-sufficiency, and reap the rewards of a well-tended garden that reflects the vibrant spirit of the season.
ALSO SEE: Easiest herbs and vegetables to regrow
Written by Maegan-Leigh Jacobs
Feature image: Pexels
