Have you ever imagined picking fresh herbs and vegetables right from your garden to eat? It’s easier than you think, this guide is here to help you turn that dream into reality. Let’s take gardening back to basics, making it a bountiful experience.
Why Start an Edible Garden?
Starting with what you love to eat is a good idea. From strawberries and blueberries to tomatoes, cucumbers and different herbs like sage, mint and rosemary — there’s edibles for every garden. Your climate and space will guide what you can grow, but don’t worry — there’s something for everyone. If you’re unsure, book into our Genius Bar shopping service to help you pick the perfect edibles.
Preparing your Space
Plants love the sun, so find a bright spot with good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots. Start preparing the soil by clearing out weeds and enrich the soil with compost or fertiliser to give your plants a strong start. Follow the planting instructions for each type of plant. Space out your seeds or seedlings as recommended, giving them plenty of room to grow.
Blend the joy of Wildlife and Edibles
Ever wished for a garden that feeds you and welcomes nature? Try our ‘Edibles & Wildlife’ collection. This collection includes edible plants that are easy to care for and support local wildlife. You’ll find everything from tasty fruits to plants that attract birds and bees, all chosen for their low maintenance and resilience.
Lavender Herb – Admire the beauty and breathe in the calming scent.
Patio Apple Tree – Even with limited space, you can harvest apples.
Plumb Tree – Bite into succulent plums from your tree.
Radish – Discover the juicy crunchy snap of ruby red radishes
Blueberry Bush – Indulge in the sweetness from your patch.
Rosemary – Transform recipes with a sprig of aromatic rosemary.
Harvesting Your Garden
As your plants start to grow, it’s important to know when and how to harvest your produce. Each plant has a specific time frame for harvesting, so do some research or consult an expert for the best results. When picking fruits or vegetables, gently twist or cut them from the plant to avoid damaging it. And don’t forget to properly store your harvest in a cool and dry place.
Lavender
Plums
Patio Apple Tree
Blueberries
From Garden to Table
This is where creativity blooms. Your fresh homegrown produce can transform everyday meals into something special. Don’t be afraid to experiment by adding fresh fruits to breakfasts, such as berries to crunchy granola and smoothies or vegetable-packed stir-fries and fresh salads. Don’t overlook the power of fresh herbs in drinks and dishes for a kick in your dishes.
Preserving Your Produce
If you find yourself with more produce than you can immediately use, consider freezing, canning, or drying. These methods keep the goodness of your garden available long after the season ends. You can also dry herbs or make them into infused oils. Properly preserving your produce will allow you to enjoy them all year round.
Creative Ways to Use Edible Plants in the Kitchen
Now for the fun part – using your homegrown produce in the kitchen! There are endless possibilities when it comes to incorporating fruits, vegetables, and herbs from your garden into your meals. For breakfast, try adding fresh berries to oatmeal or making a homemade fruit smoothie. For lunch and dinner, use your homegrown vegetables in salads or stir-fries. And for a refreshing drink, try adding some fresh herbs to your water or making homemade herbal tea. Get creative and have fun experimenting with different recipes!
Preserving Your Homegrown Produce
As your garden starts to produce more than you can consume, it’s important to know how to preserve your excess produce for future use. If you have an abundance of produce don’t let it go to waste. Some popular methods include freezing, canning, and pickling. You can also dry herbs or make them into infused oils. Properly preserving your homegrown produce will allow you to enjoy them all year round.
Ready to Begin?
There’s no better time to start your edible garden. We hope this guide inspires you to create a garden that brings joy to your table and life. Here’s to the joys of gardening and the pleasure of cooking with produce you’ve grown yourself. Happy gardening, and here’s to many tasty meals from your garden.
