I barely have to water the garden this summer, since it’s been raining so much. These are unusual weather conditions, so the best we can do is keep planting and seeing what does well. This season my approach to planting had not been a very planned one. I just basically went nature-style on it and planted a whole heap of different things. After three weeks the plants suited to this summer were thriving, and the others…well, that is life. I suppose it would be safe to say that they contributed to the organic matter in the soil.
The outcome: beans and tomatoes rule the patch, followed by potatoes, cucumbers and radishes. Here are some things you can try for yourself!
1. Sunflower
Sunflowers by marcmo
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from May
2. Amaranth
Amaranth by edibleoffice
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from May
3. Beetroot
Better Beetroot by MrWoodnz
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from May
4. Carrot
Carrots by clayirving
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from June
5. Chives
Chives in Bloom by FullChat
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from May
6. Climbing beans (also Runner beans, Scarlet Runners)
Scarlet Runner… by Cassey
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from May
7. Cucumber
Cucumber Flowers by programwitch
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from May
8. Eggplant (also Aubergine)
Eggplant by RaeA
Where: grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks
Harvest: from June
9. Lettuce
lettuces by cheeses
Where: sow directly into the soil (in a shady spot) or start in seed trays
Harvest: from late February
10. Marrow
fruits of ones labour/s by doustpauline
Where: grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks
Harvest: from June
11. Okra (also Ladyfinger, Gumbo)
Okra by ulterior epicure
Where: grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks
Harvest: from June
12. Parsley
Fresh Parsley by larryjh1234
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from May
13. Radish
Radishes by zizzybaloobah
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from March
14. Silverbeet (also Swiss Chard or Mangold)
Swiss! Chard! by libraryrachel
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from May
15. Swedes (also Rutabagas)
rutabagas by kthread
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from May
16. Dwarf beans (also French beans, Bush beans)
Cutie Beans! by hummingcrow
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from May
17. Zucchini
zucchini by thomas pix
Where: grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks
Harvest: from May
18. Turnip
Turnips are nutritious by 7bikeframesweldedtogether
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from May
Based on a planting guide graciously compiled by Gardenate.