Nothing adds freshness to a festive summer feast like ingredients from your own edible gardening efforts. Even if you’re starting in December, you can still enjoy fresh harvests in time for the holidays by planting mature, nursery-bought plants. Creating a quick garden is easier than you might think, whether it’s juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, or crisp lettuce.
Edible gardening basics
For a successful harvest by the festive season, look for mature plants and other quick-growers like basil, lettuce, and peppers. These plants do well in warm weather, and by choosing already-established plants, you’ll be closer to a bountiful table.
- Start by selecting healthy, strong plants at the nursery.
- When bringing them home, avoid transplanting during the hottest part of the day to reduce shock.
- Dig a hole twice the size of the nursery pot and gently remove the plant, being careful not to disturb the roots.
- Place it in the hole, fill it with soil, and water immediately.
Choosing the best mature plants at the nursery
When you’re looking to start edible gardening, choosing healthy, mature plants from a nursery can give you a head start. Here’s what to look for when selecting the best plants:
- Look for plants with vibrant, green leaves without any yellowing, spots, or wilting. This indicates the plant is well-nourished and disease-free.
- A sturdy, thick stem shows that the plant is well-established and can handle transplanting. Avoid plants with thin or leggy stems.
- If you’re buying flowering or fruiting plants like tomatoes or peppers, choose ones with visible buds or young fruits for a quicker harvest. Just avoid plants that are already overly full of fruit, as they may be at the end of their peak.
- Gently lift the plant from its pot to examine the roots. Healthy roots are white and slightly moist, filling the pot without being root-bound.
1. Growing tomatoes
Tomatoes are a classic summer favourite and versatile for salads, sauces, or simply sliced fresh. Start with a mature tomato plant from the nursery for quicker results.
Growing tips: Plant tomatoes in a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. Transplant them carefully, ensuring the roots aren’t disturbed. Deep watering is key—aim for consistent moisture but avoid soggy soil. Boost growth and fruit production by mixing Wonder Vita-Boost into the soil, which enhances nutrient availability and supports healthy root systems.
Harvesting tips: Pick tomatoes when they are fully coloured and slightly firm. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to keep producing, so enjoy those juicy tomatoes as they ripen.Companion planting: Plant marigolds alongside your tomatoes to naturally deter pests like aphids.
2. Growing basil
Basil adds a burst of flavour to everything from pasta to salads. It grows fast and pairs beautifully with tomatoes.
Growing tips: Basil likes warm soil and plenty of sunlight. After transplanting, pinch off the tops to encourage bushier growth. Enrich the soil with Wonder Vita-Boost to improve soil structure and provide slow-release nutrients, ensuring your basil stays strong and flavorful. Avoid overwatering—basil prefers slightly dry soil between waterings.Harvesting tips: Pick leaves regularly, starting from the top of the plant. This keeps the plant compact and productive. For the best flavour, harvest in the morning when oils are most concentrated.
3. Growing lettuce
Lettuce is perfect for creating fresh, crisp salads. Many varieties can be harvested leaf by leaf, making it an excellent choice for continuous harvesting in your edible gardening setup.
Growing tips: Lettuce prefers partial shade, especially in hot climates. Keep the soil moist to prevent it from becoming bitter. Use Wonder Veggie Garden for balanced growth and Wonder Vita-Boost to enrich the soil, helping your lettuce thrive and stay fresher for longer.
Harvesting tips: Start harvesting outer leaves when they’re about 10-15 cm long. Cut leaves just above the base to allow for regrowth.Companion planting: Chives and garlic are great companions, as they help deter aphids and other pests.
4. Growing peppers
Peppers, whether sweet or hot, add colour and spice to any summer dish.
Growing tips: Peppers love warmth, so plant them in a sunny, sheltered spot. They appreciate deep watering but ensure the soil has good drainage. Mix in Wonder Vita-Boost to give the soil extra nutrients and help your peppers grow strong and healthy. Harvesting tips: For green peppers, pick them when they reach a mature size but before they start to change colour. If you want them to ripen to red, yellow, or orange, leave them on the plant a bit longer.
You may also be interested in: The starter pack you need if you’re a beginner gardener
Take edible gardening to the next level with Wonder Vita-Boost
For happy plants, give them a nutrient boost. Wonder Vita-Boost is ideal for supporting plant health, giving them the right nutrients for growth. Wonder Vita-Boost contains organic earthworm castings that improve soil quality and boost plants without risking root burn.
Simply add Wonder Vita-Boost to the soil around each plant after transplanting to support your edible gardening efforts. This will help reduce transplant shock and encourage steady growth. Water regularly, especially in hot weather.
Shop Wonder Vita-Boost online at HomelifeSA or Takealot. Follow Wonder on Facebook and Instagram for more garden ideas and tips.
