Everyday Aussies are starting to feel the pinch of the growing cost of living. While buying groceries and goods on special can make all the difference, there has to be another way to save a penny or two. So, why not do it yourself?
STORY: CAITLYN GRANT
Growing your own produce can seem daunting at first, even for the greenest of thumbs.
We’ve laid out a few handy tips and tricks for getting started on your way to fresh food all year round, and hopefully a fuller wallet.
1. Choose the right location: Find a spot in your yard, or if you’re going for a mini-scale herb garden, on a windowsill/spot indoors that gets plenty of sunlight and is easily accessible for watering and maintenance.
2. Prepare the soil: For outdoor patches, remove any weeds or debris and loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller, and mix in organic matter like compost or manure to enrich the soil. For potting mix, ensure you’ve opted for a planter with large drainage holes for proper circulation.
3. Select the right plants: Choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil type. Consider starting with easy-to-grow options like tomatoes, basil and lettuce.
4. Water regularly: Give your plants a thorough shower once or twice a week, depending on the weather and the needs of your plants. Avoid overwatering or letting the soil dry out completely.
5. Harvest frequently: Regular harvesting encourages the growth of new leaves and fruits, and prevents the plants from becoming too leggy. Use pruning shears or scissors to snip off leaves or fruits, and enjoy the fresh taste of your own home-grown herbs and vegies.
Here are the fruits and vegies you should be looking at investing in for each season:
SUMMER
– Cucumber
– Lettuce
– Passionfruit
– Blackberries
AUTUMN
– Tomatoes
– Zucchini
– Mandarins
– Pomegranates
WINTER
– Rosemary
– Coriander
– Broccoli
– Carrots
SPRING
‒ Eggplants
‒ Sage
‒ Spinach
‒ Strawberries