Having a kitchen garden not only ensures fresh produce, which is healthier and tastier than the store-bought versions but also establishes an easy and rewarding way of practising the sustainable way of living. Whether you've decided to set up a new kitchen garden or are a seasoned owner of one, you know how important it is to select the correct fruit and veggies to be planted.
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If you're not quite sure how to go about selecting your produce or are looking for new plants to experiment with, look no further. Here are 7 fruits and veggies that are easy to grow and don't take up a lot of space.
Tomatoes are a staple in Indian cuisine and are hence a daily requirement in any household. Did you know organic tomatoes are much sweeter than insecticide and pesticide-sprayed ones? Plant them in a spot where you get at least six hours of direct sunlight in loose and well-draining soil and enjoy the fruits of your labour in no time.
Bell peppers make a must-have in your kitchen garden if you are fond of salads, pasta, or pizzas. These crunchy delights can even be eaten as is with cream cheese. Plant them in a warm and sunny spot in well-drained fertile soil and provide them with a stake for support when you see fruits. Harvest them when you see them bright and bursting with colour and enjoy!
Cucumbers are one of the quickest-growing vegetables when planted in a warm and sunny spot and watered consistently. Sow the seeds in fertile and well-drained soil at a depth of 1 inch and water them every other day. Make sure to keep the soil moist and harvest these tasty treats once the vegetables have grown to six inches in size.
Zucchini are a type of summer squash and are one of the most commonly grown vegetables in home gardens. A perfect addition to your kitchen garden these vegetables require at least 4-6 hours of daily sunlight and should be planted in well-draining soil. By watering them regularly, maintaining 1-1.5 inches of water on the soil and protecting them from pests, you will have fresh zucchini at your table in no time.
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These sweet, juicy and hydrating summer fruits are a treat that is hard to beat! Watermelons love the sun, so plant them in a spot that receives full 8-10 hours of direct sunlight in well-draining and sandy soil. Water your watermelons regularly, maintaining 1-2 inches of water in the soil and Harvest them when you start to notice that the surface colour has changed from shiny to dull.
Sweet and juicy strawberries make a great addition to desserts, salads and drinks. They can be easily grown in pots and are a great option for you if you have space constraints. Plant them in a sunny location as they require sunlight for 8 hours a day, water them daily and you will see bright red pops of colour in no time.
A delicious fruit that can be grown in your backyard, Grapes are an ideal choice of fruit for you if you are a fan of jams, jellies and juices. Plant your grapevines in a sunny location that also has proper circulation. These vines require some support to climb, but once set up properly, they can last up to 40 years.
With proper planning and minimal care, you can get fresh produce right at your doorstep. Other than getting your own homegrown produce you will also be successfully leading a greener lifestyle if you invest a little time and effort in planting and taking care of these easy-to-grow fruits and vegetables.
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