How to plant herbs and vegetables effectively:
Make sure to research the requirements for each specific plant you wish to grow in your garden, as the soil, compost, planting times, and spacing can all come into account to produce the best crop for that plant.
In general, there are things that need to be taken into account when planting herbs and vegetables:
- Location. Most vegetables and herbs need around 6 hours of direct sunlight a day in summer, however this may vary by the type of plant.
- Spacing. Some vegetables and herbs may need more space around them than others, make sure to check on seed packaging. Spacing is important so plants are not competing for water and nutrients.
- Soil. The soil should be prepared by removing weeds, and adding any compost to increase nutrients. Adding a layer of mulch to the soil is also a great way to help the soil retain moisture and stop weed growth.
- Planting seeds. Again, there are different requirements for different seeds. Some can be directly planted into the prepared soil, but others may need to be started indoors until germination and then put into the soil.
- Maintenance. Regular maintenance is great to check the health and quality of your crops as they grow. Some plants need support (for example beans or tomatoes) and so a trellis or stake may be needed. Other maintenance includes removing weeds and checking the soil for the right nutrients.
- Crop rotation. After harvesting, it is a good idea to rotate crop families to different areas of the garden every year to prevent crop diseases and pest build-up.
