In season
Ginny Clark from Decor Gardenworld shows us how to grow our own groceries.
With the price of fresh produce increasing daily and shortages at the supermarkets, there has never been a better time to start growing your own groceries. Whether you have a large property or small rental, you can plan, plant and successfully harvest your own homegrown fruit and vegetables year round.
The first thing to consider is what you like to eat. We all have our favourites. Here in the Bay we are blessed with great growing conditions. Citrus trees like lemons, limes, mandarins and oranges are a must, and if you plan well, you can be picking some form of citrus at all times of the year. Other favourites are feijoas. These are a hardy fruit and can act as both a fruit producer and a handy shelter hedge or pot plant.
Use your existing fencelines to espalier fruit along them. That way you don't need to look at an ugly fence. If you don't have much room for your fruit, do not despair. A lot of varieties are grafted onto semi-dwarf or dwarf rootstocks, resulting in a tree that is much reduced in size. Pruning your fruit trees from a young age is a must. Many are also happy in pots or containers, which will also restrict the size of the plant.
While most of us love the idea of growing fruit, remember we can't do this without bees, insects and birds. So make sure you plant bee-attracting and companion plants like lavender and rosemary close by. Pears and plums will sometimes need to be planted with a second tree of a different variety, which acts as the pollinator.
Consider harvest times, too. There is no point growing a plum that ripens in January if you know you always go away that month. And remember to always choose quality and tried-and-true varieties.
TIPS FOR GROWING YOUR OWN ORCHARD
Buy only quality plants.
Give them a good start with part sunlight, part shelter, and plant with planting mix and a base dressing such as Ican Slow Food.
Plant at least two fruit trees of the same type to help cross-pollination.
Mulch and feed with compost, blood and bone and fruit food.
Water regularly and thin excess fruit out through the growing season.
Protect the crop from birds.
Prune correctly from day one.
Check out our website for expert advice and videos on pruning or come to our pruning session on July 24 at Decor Gardenworld.
Buy only quality plants.
Give them a good start with part sunlight, part shelter, and plant with planting mix and a base dressing such as Ican Slow Food.
Plant at least two fruit trees of the same type to help cross-pollination.
Mulch and feed with compost, blood and bone and fruit food.
Water regularly and thin excess fruit out through the growing season.
Protect the crop from birds.
Prune correctly from day one. Check out our website or expert advice and videos on pruning or come to our pruning session on July 24 at Decor Gardenworld.
Decor Gardenworld in Bethlehem has been providing BOP gardeners with top-quality fruiting, flowering and fabulous plants for over 55 years. It is family owned and operated and is committed to providing friendly service and advice.