Having a vegetable garden at home is a great idea for enjoying fresh, tasty and healthy vegetables all summer long. In addition to providing you with quality products, growing your own vegetables will save you money and help preserve the environment. In this article, we will share with you all the necessary information for a successful vegetable garden this summer.
The vegetables to choose for an eco-friendly vegetable garden
For an ecological vegetable garden, it is recommended to select vegetables suited to your region and easy to cultivate. Here is a list of 20 vegetables you can plant:
- Tomatoes
- Salads
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Zucchinis
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Strawberries
- Green beans
- Potatoes
- Green peas
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chilies
- Squashes
- Melons
- Watermelons
Tips for arranging your vegetable garden
Before starting to grow your vegetables, it is essential to properly prepare your vegetable garden space. Follow these few tips to optimize your garden layout and promote the growth of vegetables:
The size of your vegetable garden
First of all, demarcate the area you want to devote to your vegetable garden. It’s important not to clutter this area too much to facilitate movement and soil work. Plan for approximately 1 square meter per person for a family vegetable garden.
The choice of location
Choose a sunny, wind-protected location for your vegetable garden. Vegetables need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to grow properly.
The type of soil
The soil should be rich in nutrients and well drained. If your soil is too clayey or sandy, it is possible to improve it by adding organic material such as compost or manure.
Tips for maintaining your vegetable garden this summer
A good vegetable garden maintenance is essential to guarantee a plentiful and healthy harvest. Here are some tips to take care of your vegetables throughout the summer:
Watering
It is important to regularly water your vegetables, especially during periods of drought. Try to water preferably in the morning or evening to avoid rapid evaporation of the water during the day. Use a watering at the base of the plants rather than a sprinkler irrigation that promotes the development of diseases.
Crop rotation
To preserve the soil fertility and limit the appearance of diseases, consider practicing crop rotation. Change the location of the vegetables in your garden each year in a very specific order. For example, you can cultivate leaf vegetables after root vegetables, and fruit vegetables before grain vegetables.
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Mulching
Cover the ground of your vegetable garden with a layer of mulch (straw, grass clippings, bark…) to retain moisture, limit the growth of weeds and enrich the soil with organic matter.
Ecological methods to protect your vegetables from pests
In order to protect the environment and the health of your family, favor ecological methods to combat pests:
Beneficial Insects
Encourage the presence of beneficial insects in your garden, such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which feed on aphids. You can install insect hotels and plant nectar-rich flowers to attract them.
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Plant Manures
Prepare plant-based purins (nettle, horsetail, comfrey…) to strengthen the resistance of your vegetables to diseases and pests. Spray these natural preparations on your plants regularly, respecting the recommended dosages.
The Trapping
Set up pheromone traps to capture harmful insects like the carrot fly or the leek moth. These traps are selective and do not affect insects beneficial to the garden.
By applying these tips and tricks, you will be able to grow your own vegetables and enjoy a productive vegetable garden this summer. Do not hesitate to share your experience with other gardeners and ask them for advice if necessary. Happy gardening!