5 steps to have a vegetable garden at home
We are increasingly aware that a sustainable and chemical-free diet offers a considerable improvement in our health and immune system.
How many times have we gone out onto our terrace or balcony and imagined what it would be like if we had a small sustainable crop to supply us with aromatic plants, flowers or even some seasonal fruit. It is a viable idea until we are paralysed by the fear of doing it badly or not having the necessary tools. But, despite what people think, creating a vegetable garden at home is not complicated. Let's take a look at how, with just five steps, we can make it a reality.
1. Condition the space
The first thing we should find out is the orientation of our space. This information will help us to understand what kind of light we have, and therefore, what plants we can have. The orientation towards the north is the most favourable, with direct sunlight during all hours; the orientation towards the east gives us sun in the afternoon and shade in the mornings; the orientation towards the west, contrary to the previous one, offers shade in the mornings and sun in the afternoons; finally, the least favourable orientation is towards the south, where we will have indirect sunlight during most of the day.
Whatever our type of light, experts recommend the technique of protected or shaded cultivation for home gardens. This sustainable cultivation method improves the harvest and protects the plants from unfavourable weather conditions (sun, wind or excessive heat).
To achieve this considerable improvement in the quality and yield of the crop, all that is needed is an awning or pergola. A very useful model for a terrace is the pergola Alero de Saharawhich, being retractable, protects from rain and sun when necessary and can be retracted at times favourable for the plants. If, on the other hand, we are looking for something that adapts to our balcony, we can think of the Sahara Turpan awningThe shading is ideal to avoid heat stress or leaf burn, which can spoil the crop. Shading increases the production and quality of the harvest, especially for vegetables and fruit bushes such as blueberries.
2. Find the best material for your planter
The materials we use can positively or negatively affect our crop, depending on which one we use.
Ceramic pots are the traditional pots. Its porosity helps to keep the humidity inside and therefore regulates the temperature. It is also the most durable material even though it will be constantly exposed to changes in temperature, sun and rain.
Another material that is quite useful in a pot is wood. It is also porous, therefore, it is friendly to the indoor environment of the pot. In addition, if treated correctly, wood can be very durable.
Finally, plastic is useful for its lightness, so it is ideal for vertical gardens or those that are on some kind of table or shelf and are much cheaper than the previous ones. The drawback with this material is that it is not very resistant to weather conditions, but it is perfect if we choose seasonal plants and need to change containers periodically.
Organic substrates
The idea of having a vegetable garden at home is to know clearly that this product will be 100% chemical-free throughout its life. Organic substrates, as well as being the most environmentally and organismally friendly, are lighter, so they will not overload our balconies or terraces.
Another important advantage of using organic substrates is that they are better at retaining nutrients and act as a natural fertiliser for our plants.
The most common are coconut fibre and vermicompost (organic waste digested by an earthworm). The mixture of both components provides the plant with the balance it needs.
4. Choice of plants and seeds
Experts recommend that if you are planting for the first time, you should use seasonal plants, i.e. those that only live during a certain season. These will benefit from the climate and temperatures of the moment and will make the job of caring for them easier if you are just starting out.
Depending on the season of the year we are in, we can choose one or the other. For example, if we are planning to plant in the coming spring-summer, the seasonal fruits are tomatoes, courgettes and peppers.
If, on the other hand, we are thinking of planting for the winter, chard and spinach are the best option. Lettuce is very adaptable to weather conditions, and if we have a good canopy to protect it from the highest temperatures and the sun, we will be able to grow it all year round.
5. Water for your plants
Watering is one of the most important parts of gardening. It is necessary to know how much water to use, because not all plants require the same amount. A planting can die from lack of water as well as from too much water.
Ideally, plants should be watered daily in the afternoon or evening to make better use of the water. Using a watering can is the most favourable option for small gardens, as it facilitates slow watering. If the water falls on the soil all at once, it can create cracks that prevent the roots from absorbing the water well.
Knowing this we can start today and in two or three months we will see the results. Having a vegetable garden at home is a good way to recover good eating habits as we can be sure of the conditions in which our fruits are growing.