Top Tips for Growing Your Own Veg: April Edition

The sun’s been shining, and while the days are getting longer, the chilly nights remind us that spring is still finding its way. It's the perfect time to get your hands dirty and start growing your own veggies! Whether you’re starting from seed or picking up some young plants to get ahead, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of growing your own food. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned gardener, here are some tips to make your veggie-growing adventure a success:

  • Start Small, Dream Big: If you're new to growing veg, begin with easy-to-grow vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and seed potatoes. They're forgiving for beginners and yield tasty results. As you gain confidence, you can expand to other varieties.

  • Location, Location, Location: Choose a sunny spot for your veggie patch. Most veggies thrive with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

  • Soil Matters: Ensure your soil is rich in nutrients. Mix in compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.

  • Feed Your Plants: Give your veggies a boost with the right type of feed. Whether you prefer liquid or slow-release fertilisers, ensure you're following the instructions for best results.

Companion Planting:

Pairing certain plants together can enhance growth and deter pests naturally. For example:

  • Tomatoes and Basil: Basil enhances the flavour of tomatoes and repels pests like aphids and mosquitoes.

  • Cucumbers and Radishes: Radishes deter pests for cucumbers while their shallow roots avoid competing for space.

  • Carrots and Onions: Onions' scent repels carrot flies, and carrots loosen soil for onions.

  • Beans and Corn: Beans fix nitrogen in soil, benefiting corn. Corn stalks provide support for climbing beans.

  • Water Wisely: Here’s a pro tip: avoid drying out your tomatoes, followed by a sudden heavy watering which can cause cracking and splitting. Aim for consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Regular watering helps prevent those dreaded splits and ensures your plants stay happy and healthy.

  • Embrace Imperfection: Gardening is a journey of trial and error. Don't worry if things don't go perfectly at first. Learn from each season and enjoy the process!

  • Harvest with Joy: When your veggies are ready, harvest them promptly for the best flavour and to encourage continuous growth.

Why April?

April signals the start of the growing season, with longer days and warmer temperatures encouraging plant growth. It's the ideal time to sow seeds or transplant young plants into your garden.

So, whether you're craving juicy tomatoes for your salads or crispy cucumbers for pickling, April is your green light to get planting! Swing by Wellington Home and Gardens for a wide selection of seed potatoes, cucumber plants, tomato varieties, and everything else you need to kick-start your veggie garden this spring, right here in Herefordshire.

Happy Gardening!

Rupert Woods