TOP TIPS TO START YOUR OWN VEGETABLE GARDEN

Australians are currently living through an unprecedented time experiencing social distancing, working from home and in some cases, even home schooling all for the very first time.Health authorities are encouraging as all to stay home however, it remains almost impossible to avoid a trip to the increasingly crowded supermarkets. A rapid increase in the use of online platforms and video conferencing technology is assisting us all keeping connected while at the same time drawing us a little further from nature and the outdoors. In the midst of this nation-wide commitment to isolation, a new trend called “Work on Home” has been identified and one of the most popular projects is getting back to basics and creating your own vegetable garden in the backyard.

Now is the perfect time to start growing your own vegetables at home, it is both fun and rewarding and the whole family can get involved which keeps the kids busy! Most importantly you can guarantee your household a supply of quality produce and know that has only been handled by you and your family.

“Where else other than in your Outdoor Room can you grow organic fruits, vegetables and herbs, while enjoying the fresh air and sunlight in the privacy of your home? No other space in your house can offer you so much opportunity to improve your family’s health and wellbeing. Growing your own fruit, veg and herbs while isolating is a great way of reigniting your love affair with the outdoors”, says Adbri Masonry’s brand ambassador and landscaping expert, Jason Hodges. “Raised garden beds are a great way to start your home veggie garden adventure.”

Once a DIY friendly garden wall or planter box is constructed and quality soils and mulches have been brought in, you are ready to plant the produce which will become dinner over the coming weeks and months.

“If you are struggling to find space for your veggie patch, look to unused paths, the side of your house and forgotten corners to grow your full flavoured produce”, Jason says.

With children now home-schooling and on extended holidays, the DIY edible veggie garden is a great project to take on.

“If you have kids at home, get them involved, it’s sure to keep them busy while providing valuable lessons on food, health and the importance of time away from screens! It’s so important to include kids in the growing of your edible garden from start to finish. As they watch their strawberries or carrots grow, they’ll be fidgeting with excitement to eat them as soon as possible! Planting and tending your new outdoor garden also gives you fantastic, uninterrupted family time in the great outdoors with natural light and fresh air! If you’re like me, some of your fondest memories will be made in the new garden.”

Types of DIY Veggie Gardens

Depending on your veggie garden needs and budget, there are many options available for you to select. Here are some popular options:

1. Buy a Prefabricated Garden Bed

This option is great for beginners as it’s a very quick and easy way to get a veggie garden established at home. They’re available in a range of sizes, shapes, materials and colours. While they look great and are functional at first, over time they may start to unfavourably weather, possibly needing to be completed replaced.

2. Build a Timber Sleeper Garden Bed

This option enables you to build your garden bed to a few courses high.  However, you will be restricted to constructing only square or rectangle shapes, due to the lengths of timber. Also, just like the prefabricated garden beds, they will eventually need replacing as the timber won’t last a lifetime with rotting quite common. If you do use timber, check to ensure it is arsenic free timber or eco timber.  

3. Use Concrete Blocks for your Garden Bed

Adbri Masonry concrete garden wall blocks are Australian made and built to last, requiring no ongoing maintenance. A concrete block is always the best choice to build your veggie garden as it will last. With many different products in our range, it’s easy to create different shapes allowing you to design a veggie garden bed that will best suit your space.

For Circular Shaped Veggie Gardens

Jason recommends Adbri Mini Wall blocks for circular veggie gardens due to its smaller shape, making it very easy to work with. It can be laid circular or curved and up to 500mm high unreinforced. The blocks form a vertical wall so it maximises the space in your veggie garden!

For Square Shaped Veggie Gardens

Adbri’s Garden Sleepers are quick and easy to install for your new veggie garden.

Each sleeper features a raked surface texture providing a natural finish that looks great.  Build the walls of your veggie garden bed up to 600mm high, maximising the space in your veggie garden bed.  The sleeper can also be used as a low-cost alternative to steel posts! Check out the product page here.

Other Adbri Masonry products that may suit square shaped garden beds are:

• Natural Impressions® Duostone

• Wallstone

• Versawall®

• Besser Blocks®

Can’t decide on which concrete block to choose for your veggie garden, contact us on 1300 230 633 and we’ll be happy to help you!

How to Build a DIY Edible Veggie Garden

You can build a veggie garden in 5 simple steps. See the full instructions here.

Key questions to consider when planning your new edible garden

• What do you want from your new edible garden? More herbs for the everyday, a bustling veggie patch or a basket bursting with fruits? Or an easy to maintain veggie patch that is a fun family activity?

• Are you a garden novice or expert green thumb?

• How much water does your outdoor area receive naturally?

Top garden tips from Jason Hodges

• Consider the area in your yard for the edible garden – does it receive much sunlight? This will impact the fruit, vegetables and herds you grow.

• Consider layering your veggie patch by bringing in different heights with will add dimensions and aesthetics to your yard.This could mean building a wall at different heights or layering with the produce you plant – taller fruit trees in the centre and work out towards the smaller vegetables and herbs.

• Consider the finished height of your edible garden! 3-4 courses high will mean you veggie patch doubles as a great garden seat!

Take a moment over a cup of tea with a pen and paper to consider these questions The answers will greatly impact which plants and soils are required to make sure your new edible garden thrives!