GARDEN TO TABLE

Homegrown produce has so much to offer — greater flavour and freshness, the chance to eat veggies grown without chemicals (if you choose to go organic), and the opportunity to get in touch with the rhythms of nature and feel a connection to the earth. Basically, it’s good for you and for the environment. And don’t forget the sense of satisfaction you’ll feel when you see your patch flourishing and your family tucking in to the meals you’ve prepared using produce harvested that day.

Every vegetable has its own requirements, so it’s impossible to list them all here, but the basic principles — such as good soil preparation, only planting veggies suited to your climate and ensuring they get the right amount of sun and water — are the same. To give you a sense of what’s involved, we explore some of the fundamentals of choosing, planting, caring for and harvesting veggies.

PLAN YOUR PLOT

Planning a vegetable garden takes a bit