Grow these productive vegies in Spring for delicious pickings in the months ahead.
Nothing beats stepping outside and picking fresh produce for your meals. As the soil warms and the days lengthen, spring is the perfect time to get your edible garden underway and set yourself up for months of delicious harvests.
Get growing
Vegies can be grown in garden beds, raised planters, pots or grow bags. Whichever setup you choose, find a spot with at least six hours of sun. Clear weeds, loosen the soil and mix through compost or fill containers with premium potting mix. Sow seeds directly once the soil has warmed or start with seedlings for a quicker result. In cooler areas, wait until the risk of frost has passed.
Keep them thriving
Fast-growing vegies need a steady supply of moisture and nutrients. Water deeply at the base of plants rather than giving them a light daily sprinkle and mulch to keep the roots cool and moist. Feed regularly with a fertiliser formulated for vegetables, following the label directions.
How to grow
Cucumber
Plant: Sow seeds direct or plant seedlings carefully to avoid disturbing the roots. Space plants 40–60cm apart.
Support: Train vines up a sturdy trellis to save space, improve airflow and keep the fruit off the ground.
Care: Keep the soil consistently moist and feed with a vegetable fertiliser once flowering begins.
Harvest: Pick cucumbers while they’re young, firm and crisp. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit.
Tomatoes
Plant: Sow seeds 5mm deep directly into the soil or in trays for transplanting later or start with nursery-grown seedlings. Position in full sun and space plants 40–60cm apart.
Support: Add a stake, cage or trellis at planting time. Compact bush varieties may need little support.
Care: Water deeply and consistently at the base of the plant. Feed with a tomato fertiliser once flowers appear.
Harvest: Pick when fully coloured and slightly soft to the touch.
Green beans
Plant: Sow seeds direct, space bush beans 10–15cm apart and climbing beans 15–20cm apart.
Support: Bush beans are self supporting, while climbing varieties need a trellis or frame from the start.
Care: Water regularly during flowering and pod development. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which encourage leaves rather than pods.
Harvest: Pick beans every few days while the pods are young and tender.
Eggplant
Plant: Sow seeds into warm soil or plant seedlings 50–60cm apart in a full-sun position.
Support: Stake plants early to support the weight of developing fruit.
Care: Water consistently and feed regularly with a fertiliser for fruiting vegetables once flowering begins.
Harvest: Pick when the fruit is firm, glossy and has reached a suitable size for the variety.
We hope you have enjoyed this article so far.
One of the many benefits of Garden Clinic membership is full access to our website. Members please log in to view the complete articles.
If you are not a Garden Clinic member and wish to access our website as well as enjoy the many benefits of membership, including access to our Helpline 7 days a week, please visit the link below to join us.