When it comes to acquiring high-quality fruit and vegetables for our meals, we tend to head straight to the supermarket, where we can pick up whatever we need from the shelves. But there are so many benefits to growing your own. Sure, supermarkets and grocery stores offer convenience. But when you grow your own vegetables, you know exactly where they are from, you know that they are free of additives, preservatives, and pesticides, and you have easy access to them in your own property or backyard. So, here are a few different options that you might want to try growing yourself!
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3 CROPS FOR BEGINNER GARDENERS
Tomatoes
A great place to start when it comes to growing your own food is tomatoes. Chances are that you already purchase plenty of different types of tomatoes in your weekly grocery shop, so by growing your own, you could save a whole lot of money. If you grow enough, you could even sell them on, as tomatoes are always in relatively high demand.
First, decide on the type of tomato you want to grow. Each variation will have different requirements that you will have to meet. Some of the most popular strains include cherry tomatoes, vine tomatoes, and beef tomatoes. Next, invest in hydroponic equipment. This will help to create an appropriate and safe environment in which your tomatoes will be able to bloom healthily.
These are relatively vulnerable plants that will struggle to grow in the outdoors, as they can struggle with even the slightest changes in weather, and are prone to be eaten by local wildlife. You can view more options here.
Strawberries
Strawberry prices are skyrocketing so you can save a whole lot of money by growing them yourself. People tend to think you need a very specific setting in order to be able to grow this delicate fruit. But it is achievable at home! You can set up borders, place them in hanging baskets, or simply have a little pot to grow them in on your window ledge.
Just pot them, water them frequently, and consider adding a little liquid potash to the mix to spur them on. It’s also a good idea to place the plant on a bed of straw. This helps to prevent the roots from rotting in the damp soil.
Potatoes
Potatoes form the basis of many meals and they are much simpler to grow than either of the previous options. So, if you’re looking for something particularly easy, this may be the option for you. The first step that you need to take is to invest in tubers. These are certified virus-free potatoes. Allow them to sprout indoors, then plant them in the soil. You gradually increase the amount of soil around the potato to allow it to flourish!
These are just three options that you have when it comes to growing your own fruit and vegetables. There are, of course, plenty more out there. So, get started today! You’ll be incorporating your own fruit and veg into your diet in no time!
Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."
Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.
Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and a sweet toy fox terrier. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.
This blog celebrates all things home.
