Wellbeing SA has joined Green Adelaide in outdoor activities, declaring there is something wonderful about the goodness and sense of fulfilment from growing fruit and vegetables.
According to Wellbeing SA, the benefits of gardening are endless. It says it’s a great way to get to know nature, reduce grocery bills and increase incidental physical activity.
It said while fruit and vegetable gardens can generate enjoyment in large backyards and open spaces, there were plenty of other options for keen green thumbs limited with space and want to explore the benefits of growing their leafy greens.
“If you are limited by space, then options like joining your local community garden, growing fruit and veg that will thrive in window sills and pots and growing things like chillies and herbs are a great option,” Wellbeing SA said.
In collaboration with Green Adelaide, Wellbeing SA has put together some tips to help those wanting to cultivate their own veggie patch.
For its part, Green Adelaide said it’s best to stick to hardy and staple crops that can grow produce almost all year round.
“Most food plants that produce a fruit, such as tomatoes, capsicums and zucchinis, provide their goodness for one season at most, but other plants – such as spring onions, lettuce, cabbage, rocket, radish and leeks– can be planted almost any time of the year,” Green Adelaide said.
“Kale and silver beet can live for over a year – the trick is to plant them at the right time, so they are well established before the heat of summer,” it said.
Secondly, Green Adelaide said it is best to grow what’s in season.
“While some plants, like spring onions, can be grown all year round, most have a preferred growing temperature and season,” the resource said.
Lastly, to keep plants alive and thriving, Wellbeing SA advised gardeners to set up their plants for success by learning whether they prefer to be grown from seed or seedlings, as some plants don’t do well when transplanted.
“Give them fertiliser now and then and add compost to the soil, ideally some you have made at home,” Green Adelaide said.
“In summer, you will need to add a mulch around your plants to stop the soil from drying out,” it said.
More tips on starting a veggie garden can be accessed at this PS New link.
