In today's screen-filled world, finding hobbies and family activities that don't involve technology can be difficult. If you want to get outside more with your kids, starting a garden can be a fun, hands-on way to make your home more beautiful. An edible garden can save you money on produce and show your kids the rewards of growing your own food (which is eco-friendly!) If you wish your thumb were a little greener, you can learn the easiest plants to grow and harvest for beginners.
Healthy Plant Growth
Regardless of the type of food you decide to grow as a family, you won't be successful without the correct setup. Research each food's needs regarding sunlight and water to promote growth. Test the soil for any issues, or take advantage of dirt delivery for a fresh layer of healthy, fertile soil. Keep your plants from drying out with regular watering. Wildlife can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, too, so be prepared to share the harvest or fence them out.
Herbs
Herbs provide great seasonings for many dishes, from pasta to meat. Growing herbs like basil, oregano, chives, cilantro, thyme, parsley, and mint are pretty beginner-friendly. You can raise them from seed or purchase the fully grown herb. The length you should harvest the leaves can vary, but six inches is a typical sweet spot. Most herbs enjoy full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Some herbs, like mint and oregano, can spread quickly, so be sure you contain them within a planter or raised flowerbed. They can be susceptible to wilting and mildew, so keep them watered and pruned.
Radishes
Radishes are one of the easiest vegetables to grow. They can be planted at any time during most of the year except for winter. While they enjoy full sun, they prefer cooler or moderate weather. They will flourish in rich soil with easy drainage. Regularly water your radishes, but don't overwater. You can usually harvest them a few weeks after planting. Research the type of radish you have for more specific and accurate timelines.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers enjoy warm soil, so you'll want to choose an area with full sunshine. When they start to sprout, they thrive best when they have something to climb on, so adding a trellis or growing near a wall can suit this. Mulch, moist dirt, or shredded leaves can help provide the water nutrients cucumbers need. You can harvest cucumbers when thoroughly green and firm to the touch, which can take around two months.
Bell Peppers (Capsicum)
You will want to plant bell peppers early into the spring after the ground has officially thawed. Their area should see plenty of sun. They're pretty thirsty, so aim for one to two inches of weekly water, but be sure their soil can drain quickly. When they start to bear their peppers, it can make them slightly top-heavy; installing a cage or stick can support them. You will want to harvest them once they are firm and full-size.
Tomatoes
Like bell peppers, tomatoes are top-heavy when growing, so you need a cage. You should plant tomatoes in an area with at least six hours of full sun daily. Fertilizer and mulch can promote strong growth while eliminating the chance of weeds. Water regularly; if wilting occurs, water more frequently, especially in hotter weather. You can harvest them when they've developed their full red color with no green spots.
Strawberries
These delicious fruits are fun for little ones to grow. They also require full sun. You can plant them in spring or fall, depending on where you live-avoid areas that frost. They need one to one-and-a-half inches of water per week. You can harvest strawberries when they are ripe and of adequate size.
Raspberries
Raspberries need even more sunlight, at least six to eight hours daily. Plant and water them regularly in the spring, increasing your watering during hot summer days. You can use small sticks or trellises to support their growth. Harvest them regularly when they're a vibrant red, and the plants will keep producing.
Blueberries
Blueberries are delicious treats for desserts and snacks. They require at least six hours of sunlight a day. You'll want to keep them regularly moist and watered-don't dry them out! Regular pruning can encourage growth. You can harvest when they reach a blue or purple color and are relatively large. The larger, the sweeter.
Conclusion
An edible garden can unite your family, enrich your yard, lower your grocery bills, and help the environment. Kids can learn much from creating, growing, and harvesting edible plants. Herbs, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers are some of the easiest vegetables to grow. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are all simple fruits to grow for beginners. Make sure you research the fruits or vegetables you grow to ensure you can provide an adequate environment for them.
*This is a collaborative post. All views and texts are my own.
