News

August 24, 2023 | IN Together Magazine | BY Holly Brennan | 3 min read

Fruit and veggies are climbing – and we’re not just talking about on the vine, but also at the supermarket checkout. Deakin University found in the first half of 2022 healthy items were subject to the largest price hikes.

Staples such as lettuce, tomatoes and broccoli all skyrocketed by up to 150 per cent compared with just a few years ago. If we happened to have time travelling abilities, perhaps it would see most of us going back a few years to convert our backyards to veggie beds! 

But fret not, and strap in, because we’re jumping aboard the home-supplied fruit and veg train (albeit a bit late).

There are plenty of benefits of growing seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique and interchangeable, consider portable garden beds, vertical gardens for climbing veggies, or raised beds and pots.

A sunny location that receives five or six hours of direct sun is ideal. Study your outdoor garden areas to find spots that get the most sun during winter, and a reasonable amount of sun during the warmer months.

Potty about plants

Planting feature species, flowers and shrubs in pots allows you to rotate and relocate plants within your garden, however it can limit the plant growth to its mature size.

When choosing potting plants, be sure to plant good neighbours. If you’re planting several plants in one pot make sure they’ll play well together. This means that all the plants in a pot should require a similar amount of sunlight and water to thrive.

Maximum care, minimal time

Installing a watering system with sensors that track rain and soil humidity can be a handy investment for those who don’t have time to monitor and water their garden on a regular basis. If you decide to install decking or pavement for an outdoor dining space, choose from a range of semi-permeable solutions to guarantee the runoff drainage in your outdoor area

Plants that thrive in pots

Pots are particularly beneficial in smaller gardens and paved courtyards.

• Pansies
• Cineraria
• Coral Bells
• Daffodils
• Violas
• Peony
• Primulas
• Daisies
• Tulips

Check with your local nursery for advice on the best time to plant, based on your local climate.

Creating Aromas in the garden and flavour in the kitchen

Herbs are also great in pots or a fixed bed. A few that are versatile for growing in most backyards include:

• Basil
• Thyme
• Mint
• Rosemary
• Dill
• Parsley
• Chives

When do I plant?

Warm season – best to plant after the chance of frost has passed.

• Green beans
• Carrots
• Cucumber
• Eggplant
• Lettuce
• Potato
• Beetroot
• Pumpkin
• Sweet Corn
• Tomatoes
• Capsicum
• Zucchini
• Chilli
• Beans
• Garlic
• Onions
• Raspberries

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