Best spring fruits and vegetables for your garden
Spring is here, and it’s a chance to get out into the garden. If you’re someone that enjoys growing their own fruits and vegetables, then the season will bring much joy. And after a chilly winter, you’re not alone in looking forward to some warm and sunny weather – your garden feels the same way.
Knowing what you’re going to grow is easier said than done, which is why we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about which fruits and vegetables thrive in spring, and check out some of the delicious NEFF recipes you can make using your homegrown produce!
Blueberries
To grow blueberries, you need to ensure they’re getting full sunlight and are planted in acidic soil. Conducting a pH test can tell you whether your soil is ready to go, or whether you need to add sulphur. Once you’ve successfully grown some blueberries, pop them in NEFF’s pear and blueberry cobbler and enjoy.
Strawberries
If you’re wanting your own crop of juicy strawberries, then make sure to give them plenty of space to thrive. For the best results, leave at least 30cm between plants, ensure they’re getting a lot of sun and keep them watered – especially as the weather gets hotter. Fertiliser can help strawberry plants grow, but don’t overdo it. Additionally, ensure you keep them away from tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant and potato plants, which can contribute to a deadly disease called verticillium. Once they’re ripe, you can turn your strawberries into jam or make this delicious Victoria sponge cake.
Zucchini
Did you know zucchinis are technically a fruit? And they’re the perfect addition to your spring garden. Plant them in full sun (they don’t do well with frost) and give them some liquid fertiliser once they start to blossom. Once your zucchinis are ready to go (remember to harvest them before their rinds harden), make yourself a delicious yet healthy vegetable pie and wow your friends and family.
Cucumber
When you’re growing cucumbers, ensure that they have a little bit of shade – especially if you’re planting them later in spring. If you’ve someone with a green thumb, mix some compost in with the soil to help your cucumbers grow (or use liquid fertiliser). Once you’ve harvested your cucumbers, try making NEFF’s cucumber raita with vegetable biryani for some extra spice in your life.
Tomatoes
The secret ingredients to growing tomatoes are space and sun. You’ll also need to stake your tomato plants in order to give them the support they need to grow. Tomatoes do well in both pots and garden beds, so they are a great plant if you don’t have a big outdoor garden. And once you’ve grown your own tomatoes, the possibilities are endless – chuck them in a salad, mix in with salsa or eat them whole!
Potatoes
They’re a crowd favourite and a versatile staple – but if you’re planning to grow your own potatoes there are a few things you’ll need to consider for the best results. Potatoes do best in full sun and can be grown in raised garden beds, hilled mounds or large pots. You can even grow potatoes from other potatoes if they’ve started to sprout off-white shoots (otherwise known as “eyes”). If you’re looking to do this, then purchase some seed potatoes, rather than potatoes from the supermarket. Once you’ve successfully grown your spuds, slice them up and try putting them on a pizza or in a classic potato salad – they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
About NEFF
NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to create meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.
Learn more about NEFF here.