5 More Easy Foods Beginner Gardeners Can Grow
This list follows on from my first list of the 5 easiest foods to grow for beginner gardeners. There are a lot of different foods that beginner gardeners can grow. The produce listed below and the previous article are great for beginner gardeners because they are all set and forget crops. I have also been extremely successful at growing them in pots.You may think that because you live in an apartment or small space that you can't grow food but it is actually the opposite. There are so many different foods you can grow in pots. Of course, some foods need bigger pots than others.“Disclaimer: Some of the links below may be affiliate links or referral links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. By purchasing through these affiliate links you are supporting me and this blog.”Below is my list of 5 foods you can grow in small spaces or larger plots.
1. Ginger
Ginger is an excellent plant for beginner gardeners. I have successfully grown ginger in a pot and in my experience it has been really easy for me to grow. Ginger hasn't required me to do much at all apart from the occasional watering and topping up of compost. Most of the time I neglect it. To start growing ginger you can buy a piece of organic ginger from your local supermarket with sprouting eyes or you can purchase ginger rhizomes from reputable online nurseries and garden centres.Ginger is a tropical plant but is easily grown in other climate zones. I live in a temperate zone and I have had no issues. If you live in a cooler region, bringing ginger indoors will help.Ginger prefers a shady spot, away from direct sunlight. It's also really important to Grow ginger in a well-draining potting mix with a high content of organic compost. The compost will allow the plant to grow healthy and strong and hold just the right amount of water. It can take up to a year for ginger to be mature enough for harvesting. Harvest ginger once the green leaves start to die.I have never grown turmeric or galangal but from what I hear they are grown in the exact same way as ginger.
2. Snow Peas
Snow peas are another excellent plant for beginner gardeners to grow in pots. I have had success growing them in a small space. To grow snow peas start by purchasing snow pea seeds, the best variety for beginners or those with small spaces is the dwarf Oregon. Plant three or four seeds together with a high amount of compost in a pot about 15-20cm wide and deep. Snow peas also need a support of some kind to latch on to. Purchase a trellis or make your own using bamboo stakes and string. Snow peas do require regular watering and full sun but do not need much more special treatment.I have never tried growing sugar snap peas but they also like the same conditions so give them a go if you prefer their taste.If you're interested in growing snow peas then considering buying your snow pea seeds from Biome. Click here or on the banner below.
3. Garlic
Garlic is one of those must-grow crops. It is something that I use in so many different foods I cook at home and luckily it is super easy to grow. I am currently growing garlic in small pots and they are doing really well. To grow garlic all you need to do is buy certified garlic seeds online or at your closest nursery. In early autumn place the largest garlic cloves in an organic-rich soil as deep as your second knuckle, pointy end up. Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged and apply a thin layer of mulch. Garlic takes 8-9 months before it's ready to be harvested. Once harvested, wash and hang to dry for a couple of weeks before using. Don't forget to save some of your larger bulbs to replant.
4. Potatoes
Potatoes are another must-grow food crop and are so easy to grow, I have done it multiple times. To grow potatoes always buy certified seed potatoes and wait until they chit. Chitting is another name for sprouting. When you see the sprouts on your potatoes it is time to plant them. You will need a larger pot for potatoes, a minimum of 60 centimeters deep is best. When growing spuds the method I prefer is hilling up. To do this start by placing about 15cm of compost in the pot. Place the seed potatoes in and cover with another 15 cm of your soil. When green shoots emerge cover again with more soil or mulch and water. Repeat this process until the pot is full. Potatoes are ready to harvest when the plant starts to die and flowering has finished, usually about three or four months after planting.
5. Onions
A staple in almost all cuisines is onions. Onions are very versatile and depending on the variety can be eaten raw or cooked. I have grown red onions in medium-sized pots with great success. To grow onions in pots it is best to start with seeds suitable for your climate. Once you have chosen your seeds direct sow them close to the surface, about 5mm down, in a 30cm deep pot. The best time to plant onion seeds is in autumn and early winter. Onions do best in full sun and need regular watering. In about five or six months' time, you can harvest onions when leaves wilt and fall over. Cure onions in a warm but dry spot for a few days before using them.If you want to start growing your own onion from seed Biome sells a few varieties of onions. Click here to purchase your onion seeds today, or tap the banner below.If you are a beginner gardener and you would like to know more about growing food check out the two books listed below. I absolutely love these books and would highly recommend you purchase them for future reference.
I hope this list of 5 more easy foods beginner gardeners can grow was helpful. Good luck with these crops and let me know how you go. I would also love to know if you think there are any other food crops that are easier than these ones. Until next time good luck.