Gardening – Starting a new vegetable garden

If you are new to the area or just want to get your garden into production and are thinking of starting a vegetable plot, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you cultivate fresh produce in your own backyard.

1. Choosing the right location: Vegetables thrive in full sunlight, so aim for a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If you don’t have enough sun then you can still grow green leafy veg.

2. Preparing the soil: our soil tends to be clay getting sandier nearer the beach. To improve both soil types mix in organic compost, aged manure, or well-rotted mulch to enhance drainage and provide essential nutrients. Raised garden beds or container gardening can also help in areas where soil conditions are poor.

3. Selecting the right crops: Easy-to-grow choices for beginners are lettuce, spinach, silverbeet, radishes, carrots, and spring onions. If you have space and sun then tomatoes, beans, and zucchinis also do well. 

4. Planting and watering: Ensure you space out your vegetables to allow for growth and airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Given our high rainfall, watering needs will vary, but in drier periods, like now, aim for deep watering every few days. Mulching around plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

5. Managing pests and diseases: our humidity can lead to issues like powdery mildew and slugs. Companion planting, like growing herbs alongside veggies can deter pests naturally and encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. Use organic sprays like neem oil to control unwanted pests or spray mildew with milk.

6. Harvesting and enjoying: Don’t forget to harvest your fresh produce. Pick vegetables at their peak for the best flavour and nutritional value. Regular harvesting, especially for crops like beans and lettuce, encourages more veg.

Starting a garden is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, homegrown food while practicing sustainable living. With a little effort and patience, you’ll soon be enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of your labour!

Dr Lynsey Ellis is a co-founder of Sustainable Ōrewa and Hibiscus North Community Resilience Group (CRG) and has lived in Ōrewa since 2016 with her family on their urban homestead. (Instagram:@HarvestHomesteadOrewa).