NO DOUBT those with vegetable gardens have been busy preparing their plots for the summer crops. Clearing out the weeds and the remnants of the last season’s growth, turning the soil, digging in compost and other organic matter and then blanketing the beds with a good quality mulch. It all sounds like a lot of work, and it is, but like with anything where you are hoping to see a great result, preparation is key, and that’s very much so with the garden. Food gardens have been popular with keen gardeners for decades and for those who don’t have their own space to set one up, a local community garden is a boon. Community gardens are also great learning spaces for people thinking of setting up a vegetable garden at home because they are also social places where those new to food gardening can befriend other gardeners, pick up some useful growing tips and get some good hands-on experience before they start. But before starting, choosing the best location is vital. Will it receive plenty of sun all year round? Does the soil have good drainage? Should the beds be at ground level or would raised beds be a better option? These are all valid questions and it’s worth spending the time to consider them, as you will want to enjoy your garden and see it thrive, not see it as a chore. And what about the layout? You can really think outside the square here if you wish, as there is no reason why practical can’t also be very attractive. The French have food gardens down to a fine art. Vegetable plots are generally laid out to form attractive patterns and flowers are often planted in with the vegies to attract bees, as well as for visual appeal. Herbs abound in spiralling tiers. There are winding paths, statuary, and sometimes even ponds and arbors. You don’t have to go quite to those lengths, but there is nothing that says you can’t get creative if you want to put your own stamp your garden, and you don’t need an especially large space to create it anyway. And once your plants are under way, use good organic fertilisers and natural pest control where possible. Garden pests will sniff out your garden eventually, but practising crop rotation and opting for non-chemical pest control, (where you can) will keep infestations down and allow your plants to develop a better resistance to them. If you are looking for inspiration on layouts, search French potager (literally translates as “for the soup pot”) for images of some beautiful vegetable gardens. Only have a small space or courtyard? Well don’t let this dissuade you from growing some herbs and vegies, and even citrus, thanks to the dwarf varieties available now. As long as the area receives plenty of sunlight, you will be able to grow a nice variety of food plants, as many will happily grow and produce in pots, and pots come in a wonderful array of beautiful glazes and designs. Include some pots of flowers to attract bees and butterflies and even a birdbath or small water feature, and you can create a growing space that is as pretty as it is practical. But whichever way you do it, you will find having your own food garden is as enjoyable as it is rewarding, and the more experienced you become as a food gardener, the further you can go in planning and planting your crops. But mainly, you will be growing the herbs, fruits and vegetable that you enjoy most, and you’ll get a pleasant surprise at the checkout with your lower food costs. And you just can’t beat homegrown for flavour.
