“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” –Audrey Hepburn

What do achieving optimal health and wealth have in common? Well, they don’t happen overnight. But, sometimes, you can do both at the same time, and enjoy yourself in the process.

When growing your own herbs and vegetables you are, slowly but surely, adding healthy organic goodness to your lifestyle and saving money by not buying inflation-driven produce.

Of course, there are a few things to take into consideration before starting your garden. Remember, planning is the key. It’s always best to start with the basics.

Choosing your veggies

Some of your best no-fuss veggies are lettuce, tomatoes, sugar snap peas, spinach, and radish. Basil and rosemary are two of the easiest herbs to grow, and both are absolutely delicious.

Location, location, location

Your ideal spot would have enough sunlight, be near a water source, and need to be protected from unfavourable weather conditions such as frost. For a smaller, handier garden, we recommend small raised soil beds or even pots.

Prepping your soil

Always add high-quality compost to your soil. You can ask your local nursery to recommend the compost that will work best in your garden.

Check for drainage. You can do this by squeezing the soil hard a few hours after watering. If water streams out, your soil isn’t retaining enough moisture. You can add compost to improve the drainage.

Earthworms are your friends

Earthworms are your best gardening companions; they do the hard work for you. These nifty creatures dig tiny tunnels in your garden, which act as slipways for air and water to channel through.

You can even start your own earthworm plantation, and make a little pocket money on the side by selling your worms to other gardening enthusiasts.

Watering

Once your seeds are planted, the nourishing begins. Raised beds need more watering: water them every other day or so, unless they have received rain.

An easy way to determine the perfect time to harvest is by checking the seed packet. Once the time is ‘ripe’, it is best to take a basket and collect everything that’s ready to be eaten on a daily basis.

Here’s to your happy, healthy gardening adventure.