Create a kitchen garden - how to succeed

Growing your own vegetables has both taste and financial benefits. Whether you grow a little on the balcony or aim to be self-sufficient, there is a lot to gain. In fact, it only takes about 800 square meters to support a family of four with vegetables throughout the year. Most vegetables are easy to grow, but of course, sometimes a sowing may fail, it may be due to bad luck with the weather, too old seeds, or the wrong type of soil. Remember the following three tips to increase your chances of a good harvest.

Soil - Most vegetables prefer deep, nutrient-rich, well-draining, and loose soil. However, some plants, mainly herbs, may prefer leaner soil. Read about the specific soil requirements of the vegetable before planting.

Sun - The majority of vegetables love sun. Place the vegetable garden and plants in a sunny location (at least 6 hours of full sun per day) and preferably in a sheltered area.

Water and nutrients - Provide water and fertilizer to the vegetables regularly, but avoid or be careful with fertilizing in the beginning when the plants are small.

Learn about the specific nutrient needs of the vegetable you plan to grow. For example, a pumpkin may need a lot of nutrients, while potatoes prefer nutrient-poor soil.

What should the kitchen garden look like?

Just as you want it! You can grow directly in the ground, in pots, or in planters. If you have limited space, growing on trellises and other vertical structures can provide extra space. Raised beds above ground get warmer a little earlier in the spring and are often easier to drain. If you are growing in pots, it is advantageous if they are sturdy and have drainage holes.

A garden is best experienced with some defined areas. Vegetables can be used to make the whole area more inviting, for example, tall Jerusalem artichokes can be used as a hedge against the neighbor or berry bushes as a frame for the gazebo. Also, consider planning a garden path or two, so you can easily walk around the kitchen garden and care for the plants.

Good soil is half the job

Without good soil, it is almost impossible to get a good harvest. You can buy soil that is intended for the vegetables you choose, or make your own soil, for example by practicing mulching - which means regularly adding thick layers of organic matter around the plants. During decomposition, the material releases nutrients that reduce the need for fertilizer. However, buying soil is a simple solution, and you can start cultivating in the soil right away and the soil is easy to handle. Usually, you need to add fertilizer during the growing season, for example with compost, bokashi, nettle water, or organic fertilizer.

The vegetable garden should be placed on a relatively flat, well-drained location in a sunny spot - preferably a bit away from trees and bushes, so that the plants do not have to compete for water and nutrients.

Which vegetables should be grown?

Grow exactly what you want, but make sure the plants are hardy in your growing area and receive the right conditions when it comes to soil, fertilizer, and sun.

When should it be cultivated?

All year round! In January, you can start with chili and verbena and later in the spring with potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and many other vegetables. Many vegetables need to be pre-grown indoors before they are hardened off and planted outside. In late summer, an extra sowing of dill and spinach can have time to develop, and some seeds can also be sown in the winter.

Spices and herbs

Spices and herbs are good additions to any kitchen garden. They typically require a lot of sun, and some prefer leaner soil. Frost-sensitive spices can be brought indoors during the winter if you plant them in pots.

Greenhouses and cultivation tunnels

Greenhouses and growing tunnels extend the season. If you have the opportunity, it's worth investing in larger models. They provide better ventilation - and not least more space.