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 to our terrace or balcony and imagined how it would be if we had a small sustainable crop that supplies us with aromatic plants, flowers or even some seasonal fruit. It is a viable idea until we are paralyzed by the fear of doing it wrong or not having the necessary tools. But, despite what people think, creating a vegetable garden at home is not complicated. Let's review how, with just five steps, we can make it happen.
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 favorable, with this we will have direct sun during all the hours; the orientation towards the east provides us with 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 favorable orientation is towards the south, where we will have indirect sunlight during almost the whole day.
Whatever our type of light, experts advise the technique of protected or shaded cultivation for home gardens. This sustainable cultivation method improves the harvest and protects the plants from unfavorable weather conditions (sun, wind or excessive heat).
To achieve this considerable improvement in the quality and yield of the crop, it is enough to place an awning or pergola. A very useful model for a terrace is the Sahara Alero pergolawhich, being retractable, protects from rain and sun when necessary and can be retracted at favorable times for the plants. If, on the other hand, we are looking for something that fits our balcony, we can think of the Turpan awning from SaharaThis awning is ideal to avoid heat shocks or burns on the leaves that can spoil the harvest. Shading increases the production and quality of the harvest, especially in 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.
The pots of all life are those of ceramics. Its porosity helps to maintain 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 planter is wood. It is also porous, therefore, it is friendly to the indoor environment of the planter. Also, if treated properly, 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% free of chemicals throughout its life. Organic substrates, besides being the most friendly to the environment and to our organisms, are lighter, so they will not overload our balconies or terraces.
Another important advantage of using organic substrates is that they are better for nutrient retention and act as a natural fertilizer for our plants.
The most common are coconut fiber 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 we are planting for the first time, we use seasonal plants, that is, those that only live during a certain season. These will benefit from the climate and temperatures of the moment and will facilitate the work of care if we are just starting out.
Depending on the season of the year in which we find ourselves, we can choose one or the other. For example, if we plan to plant in the coming spring-summer, the seasonal fruits are tomatoes, zucchini and peppers.
If instead 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 higher temperatures and sun, we can have 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 the best use of water. Using a watering can is the most favorable option for small vegetable gardens, as it facilitates slow watering. If the water falls all at once on the soil, it can generate cracks that would 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 by being sure of the conditions in which our fruits are growing.