Around this time of year, there’s something in the air that gives you a burst of energy to embrace the little joys of life. Springtime calls for a desire to try new recipes while experimenting with exciting flavors. The simple pleasure of stepping out into your garden and picking out the freshest ingredients to include in your culinary creations is unmatched.
With a kitchen garden, a home-cooked dish can now truly be called homemade, as you’ve not only sourced the ingredients, you’ve grown them in your own care.
A kitchen garden is a space to be proud of. It’s a spot you’ve tended to yourself, carefully potting each plant, watering them when needed, giving your garden the attention it needs. Homegrown produce is not only fresher, healthier and tastier, but a thriving kitchen garden can save you a lot of euros on your grocery costs.
The basics
Early spring is the best time to start your kitchen garden. Don’t forget to carefully plan beforehand, though. Decide on a manageable amount of space for your plot. Remember, a larger vegetable garden will take a lot more maintenance and preparation. If you don’t have a lot of time for gardening, we recommend sticking to a smaller plot dwarf varieties. You could also mix produce amongst your flower beds, or plant them in containers.
Remember, when choosing a spot to grow your produce in, keep in mind that the area should be open and sunny. Try to find a space that gets morning sunshine, and around six to eight hours of sunlight daily. If you can’t find such an area, don’t be dejected. Blackberries, blackcurrents, raspberries, cherries, and rhubarb can all handle the shade.
Grow your plants near a hedge or picket fence to offer some form of protection from Galway’s harsh winds.
Lastly, fertile soil that is enriched with compost is a must for a thriving kitchen garden. If you don’t have rich enough soil in your garden, don’t worry. Pick up some raised beds from a local garden centre and you should be good to go.
What to grow?
Deciding which produce to cultivate is a key step in starting your kitchen garden. Keep it simple: grow what you love! Resist the temptation to buy every seed available in the garden shop. Remember, all those plants will require your time and effort. Take note of all the produce you enjoy, and include a wide variety in your selection.
If you’re a true beginner, make things easier for yourself and start with just a few plants. With more knowledge and experience, you can always expand your garden later.
On a final note, remember to have fun with your kitchen garden! Cultivating one shouldn’t feel like a chore. Gardening is a wholesome and fulfilling springtime activity that you’ll grow to love. Just picture your little kitchen garden basking under the spring sunshine, and all of the yummy dishes you can concoct with your homegrown produce.
