As many of us find ways to thrive during the cooler months of the year, trying our best to work healthy habits into the brisk mornings and darker-than-usual afternoons, it’s no secret that the dry air and reduced sunlight brought on by wintertime can cause some grief to our gardens. While there are absolutely some earthy crops out there, like beetroot and many types of potatoes, that generally do well in the soil all year round, many consider spring to be an optimal growing period in the veggie patch. As well as being a bit easier on our physical health due to the warmer temperatures and slightly longer days, the season of life brings with it an environment that many fruits and vegetables can appreciate too. So, with flowers blooming and that sweet sunshine taking a step out from around the corner, we thought we’d list a few of our favourite veggies to try your hand at growing this season. Let’s get your green thumb out and feed your soul!
Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea)
This bulky, energy-rich member of the cabbage family is a great starter for beginner growers. As a miniature tree, broccoli is easy to cultivate and versatile in a way that it can be enjoyed in many different forms once harvested, whether you’re mixing into a roast dinner side or helping to add a bit of texture in your next coconut curry. With health benefits ranging from boosting immune system functionality to improving blood sugar management, broccoli is a great option for those living fit and active lifestyles. For planting, you’ll want to make sure you sow your seeds into a patch of compost-enriched and well-drained soil, ideally in a location that gets a decent amount of sunlight during the day. Deep watering directly into the soil regularly and keeping an eye on potential pests like the cabbage white butterfly is also advised. Other than that, this little edible flower is quite self-sufficient in working its magic during the stages of growth under the surface.
Carrots (Daucus Carota)
A staple of the classic homestyle garden, carrots are another veggie that will thrive in the warmer springtime weather. This earthy root comes in many different shapes, sizes and colours, but always manages to provide you with a number of healthy nutrients and vitamins once eaten. With seedlings simple to sow into most loose, well-draining soil types, they’re also a relatively no-nonsense fixture to add into your patch this season. Just be sure there aren’t any rocks or stones that might interfere with the eventual sprout and they’re otherwise pretty independent growers. Similar to the other entries on our list, sun exposure is vital, with the recommended amount being about six hours per day, with watering twice a week. Once ready to harvest, carrots are perfect additions to your next fresh salad, flavoursome dip or refreshing smoothie.
Spinach (Spinacia Oleracea)
A simple but often underappreciated addition to the veggie patch is spinach! A few bunches growing here and there this spring will help you fill out those nutrient-rich homemade meals, whether it’s a leafy bed in between a poached egg and some toasted sourdough or mixed in with some ricotta for a traditional ravioli. As a leafy green full of antioxidants and minerals, spinach is perfect if you’re after a low-calorie and surprisingly flavourful superfood. When planting, you’ll want to sow into a relatively moist soil type, located in a spot that gets both decent exposure to natural sunlight and also some shade cover during the morning and late afternoon.
After some local leafy green goodness?
Make sure to check our range of freshly made and locally sourced wraps from the Wellness Café, our personal favourite is the Chicken Pesto!
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
Botanically classified as a fruit due to growth from a flower as well as having internal seeds, it’s hard to go wrong with a few flourishing, ripe tomato plants in your garden. This edible berry is a great source of multiple vitamins, potassium and folate, all natural chemicals that can help to improve overall bodily function and immunity to certain harmful toxins. When picked, tomatoes can be included in countless recipes, enjoyed fresh, roasted or even in a sautéed state. When it comes to cultivation, seedlings should be planted deeply in enriched soil around an area of your patch that will get significant sunlight. Be sure to tend to and water consistently or whenever needed, adding fertiliser during the flowering process to promote healthy nourishment.