Vanessa’s veggie tips for the aspiring vegetable grower.
Hi, everyone. My name is Veggie Vanessa and I’m here to teach you everything you need to know about growing vegetables. It’s easier than you think because vegetables just need food, water, warmth and light. I’m going to tell you what vegetables are in season, how to grow them and how to look after them so you can enjoy eating fresh produce all year round. The vegetables you grow yourself taste much better than the ones you buy at your local stores. Growing your own food will also help you save money for you and your family and will give you a wider (tastier) range of veggies to use in your cooking.
During spring, most gardens should already be prepped and ready for planting spring varieties such as tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant and zucchini. For those living in the warmer regions, planting spring/summer vegetables in early spring is quite safe, but in the cooler regions of Australia, September is notorious for late winter snaps that cause frost damage to young seedlings, so wait until early October to plant. No matter what season it is, always collect and sow your own seeds. That way, you know exactly what you are growing and how good it’s going to be for you and your family to share and enjoy.
Vanessa’s Tips
1. When planting your vegetables, make sure they are in an area where there is sunlight for most of the day.
2. Mulch your veggies when you first plant them to keep them fresher and healthier — and they’ll need less water, too.
3. For tall-growing veggies, insert the garden stake when the plants are young to avoid damaging their roots.
4. Cover your veggies with a shade cloth to protect them from hot summer days and frosty winter nights.
Did you know?
1. Eating spinach will keep your heart in good condition and build better bones.
2. By juicing vegetables, you are able to gain more vitamins than by just eating them.
3. People who eat large amounts of vegetables (and fruits) as part of their normal diet are less likely to suffer heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure.
4. Carrot juice contains a lot of vitamins and minerals that will help clear acne.
