Making the perfect veggie garden – landscape design
Making the perfect veggie garden
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN
OE Project McMahon Point
OE Project Redfern
We are lucky to be a part of the ‘Veggie Patch’ movement. An exciting time in which people are placing a high value on organically grown vegetables and are engaging in the discussion of fresh produce. Society is becoming increasingly more aware of the benefits of eating fresh and seasonal produce and for those who are fortunate enough to have a space to grow their own at home – are doing so.
We jump with excitement when our clients include ‘Veggie Patch’ in the landscape design brief. So, we thought for those thinking of ‘tapping in’ to the movement we would put together a few tips and pointers to help you get started.
Location – Whether you are searching to fill an empty space in the garden or starting from scratch. The location of your ‘Veggie Patch’ will inform the produce you are planting within the garden beds. Most vegetables thrive with plenty of sunlight (tomatoes like to bask in the sun for days on end) while leafy greens and softer fruit species prefer part-shade conditions. If you are thinking of planting more ‘shade loving’ produce, the watering will need to be ‘on-point’ and you may need to look into some form of shade netting and an irrigation system.
Foundation – Like anything, the foundations need to be in good working condition for anything to grow. This means our soil will need to be full of organic matter and nutrients. If you are not confident planting the produce in-ground, we recommend raising the garden above ground which will also help with the fight against weeds and some pests.
Maintenance – Start small; Rome wasn’t built in a day, you won’t have a farm within a week of starting out on your new venture. It is a ‘trial and error’ project that you will tailor with every crop. Some things will surprise you and others will disappoint. There is no such thing as a ‘no maintenance’ garden and a Veggie Patch is certainly no exception. It requires attention each day with regular watering & weeding.
Harvest – There is a perfect time to pick and eat your vegetables which you will learn over time. Farmers would say that vegetables should be picked (and eaten) during their growth stage. Often, we choose the largest and fullest produce at the shops but this is where we are lead astray. During the growth stage is when the baby veg is at its sweetest. It is full of the sugars that plead the case for seasonal eating because it is then the flavours are at it’s highest. Eating seasonally is now a luxury, as we are spoilt with the ‘ready now’ selection we have in stores. If there is an opportunity to be excited to eat brussel sprouts, then why not jump on that?
Don’t forget to have fun because the rewards will be in the harvest.