The Press

The five easiest – and five hardest – veges to grow

Growing vegetables is satisfying, but there are tricks of the trade that make the process smoother and more productive. By Candy Rose.

Are you beginning your backyard garden journey, or do you need to get to the bottom of problems you’ve already encountere­d when growing edible plants? Here’s a guide to the top-five easiest vegetables to grow in your backyard and the top-five trickier veges to cultivate.

Not only will you relish the gratificat­ion of harvesting your own organic produce, but you’ll also reap the rewards of significan­t cost savings and time efficiency. Let’s delve in and elevate your gardening expertise

The easiest 1. Tomatoes

Luscious, vibrant and adaptable tomatoes are quintessen­tial to any home garden. These sun-drenched delights flourish in containers or garden plots with minimum upkeep. Various seeds are available in New Zealand so that you can enjoy different flavours and sizes. You’ll soon be able to enjoy fresh caprese salads, vibrant salsas and rich tomato sauces made from your own homegrown harvest.

2. Leafy greens

Bid farewell to store-bought greens and welcome the freshest-tasting homegrown lettuce and spinach while saving yourself serious dollars. With rapid growth and abundant foliage, lettuce and spinach are low-maintenanc­e yet rewarding vegetables, granting you a constant supply of crisp salad greens and delectable sandwich fillings throughout the growing season.

3. Spring onion

Spring onions are a hassle-free and rewarding addition to any backyard garden.

They require minimal maintenanc­e and flourish in various soil conditions. With their quick growth cycle, you’ll soon enjoy the crunch and zest of homegrown spring onions in your salads, stir-fries and garnishes.

Leaving them in the ground and harvesting only the crunchy green tops ensures their return year after year.

4. Zucchini

In the summertime, zucchini abundance means sustained harvests for sharing. With minimal space and regular irrigation, you can enjoy versatile recipes, from nutritious zucchini noodles to delectable baked goods. You can even try growing it vertically for space-saving.

5. Green beans

Whether you opt for bush or pole beans, growing these legumes is straightfo­rward, offering never-ending harvests. You’ll soon relish the tender, succulent beans, freshly plucked from the vibrant tendrils adorning your garden space, upon providing the necessary support for climbing varieties.

Alternativ­ely, there are varieties that are dwarf, great for containers or intercropp­ing and companion planting, varieties that are wonderful for drying and using in your winter stews, and even some that are grown for their flowers and attractive pods.

The hardest

Growing vegetables can also be challengin­g, not only for beginners. Here are some of the more challengin­g vegetables to grow and some tips to help you put them on your easy list:

1. Asparagus

Growing asparagus is a rewarding experience that requires patience, as it can take a few years to establish a productive harvest.

To grow asparagus successful­ly, select a sunny spot with welldraine­d soil. Plant the crowns in a trench and wait patiently, as a productive harvest can take a few years to establish.

When it’s time to harvest, only cut spears for 2-3 weeks during its harvesting season.

However, for newly planted asparagus, it’s recommende­d that you wait at least two years before harvesting to allow the plants to establish and strengthen, then allow the ferns to grow and feed the following year’s plants.

2. Carrots

Many experience­d gardeners have struggled growing carrots, but with a few helpful tricks, you can enjoy large, healthy, crunchy carrots this season. Carrots prefer free-draining sandy soil, so add some sand if you have heavy soil. Keep the sown seeds damp and dark until germinatio­n, and make sure the little seedlings don't dry out. Enjoy your carrots!

3. Cauliflowe­r

Cauliflowe­r can be pretty picky and needs specific growing conditions and regular care to produce large, healthy heads. Cover the cauliflowe­r with insect netting to protect it from white cabbage butterflie­s and their caterpilla­rs. Wool mulching and slug traps are also helpful in keeping pests from destroying tiny seedlings.

4. Brussels sprouts

These require a long growing season and can be vulnerable to pests and diseases, making them challengin­g for some gardeners.

After many years of growing them in Canterbury, I’ve found that they need to be started in late spring or early summer to ensure they have enough time to grow and become establishe­d before winter arrives when growth stops and pests invade.

5. Celery

Celery can take some time to germinate and demands consistent moisture and fertile soil.

It can be challengin­g to grow in hot or dry climates without bolting to seed, so try planting in a space that gets partial sun and have patience when germinatin­g. By incorporat­ing these vegetables into your garden and caring for them, you can enjoy the satisfacti­on of growing your produce.

Some may present a challenge, but the rewards will be worth it. Not only will you cut down on grocery expenses, but you’ll also know the unparallel­ed freshness of homegrown vegetables.

Candy Rose is a North Canterbury gardener with a 1000m² plot.