Which Type Of Veggies Should I Plant?
As much as it’s great fun to grow a broad range of vegetables, it’s best to stick to crops your family enjoys, growing large numbers of a few varieties. And always look out for improved varieties, particularly those that produce large harvests in small spaces.

TOMATOES

• Grow in hanging baskets, pots and large garden beds, depending on form
• Position in full sun
• Soil Incorporate a balanced fertiliser, such as Osmocote Total; don’t feed again until first flowers appear and, after flowering, feed regularly with a liquid feed, such as Nitrosol or Multifeed
• Water Once plants are settled in, water deeply once or twice a week, or as required; water the soil (not the plants) to avoid fungal problems
• Maintenance Provide support if required: Install stakes at planting time to avoid roots getting damaged later on

TIP Plant tomatoes a little deeper than regular plants

PEAS

• Grow in garden beds, or large pots for dwarf forms
• Position in full sun
• Soil Ensure drainage is good; add a balanced fertiliser, such as Osmocote Total, at planting time, if desired. Regular feeding with a liquid food is beneficial
• Water Deep-water when dry and provide reliable moisture as flowers and fruit develop, to ensure the best crops
• Maintenance Provide climbing support even for dwarf forms; fine wire or netting is easiest for the tendrils to grab on to

TIP Plant a crop in spring for early harvest, then another in mid to late autumn for early winter cropping.

CUCUMBER

• Grow in garden beds and large tubs
• Position in full sun
• Soil needs to be free-draining and improved with the addition of organic matter; blend in a balanced fertiliser such as Osmocote Total. Regular feeding with a liquid food, such as Nitrosol or Seagro, is beneficial but not essential
• Water regularly for best results
• Maintenance Pick fruit when young to stimulate further fruit development

TIP Look for the bush or mounding varieties as they tend to be more productive and take up less space.

LETTUCE

• Grow in garden beds, pots and window boxes
• Position in part shade to full sun
• Soil should be well prepared and must reliably retain moisture. In pots, add extra water crystals. Liquid-feed regularly for best results
• Water regularly as plants are shallow-rooted and will dry out quickly in warm weather, then develop a bitter taste if it has been grown too dry
• Maintenance Plant successive crops for an ongoing supply

TIP Only grow summer varieties in the warm months. Provide a little shade by planting below taller veggies with similar moisture and fertiliser requirements.

BEETROOT

• Grow in garden beds, large pots and tubes
• Position in full sun
• Soil Ensure its quality and free-draining; blend in organic matter a few weeks before planting. Regularly feed with liquid food such as Nitrosol or Seagro
• Water regularly, but don’t overwater or underwater as this can reduce root development
• Maintenance Avoid covering swollen and exposed roots with soil or mulch as they develop. Sow a new crop every six weeks for an ongoing supply

TIP Pluck the young leaves and use in salads.

Text and image: Ideas