All your VEGGIE QUESTIONS answered

Whether you are an old hand or a starter gardener, when it comes to growing veggies, there are always questions.

- Alice Spenser-Higgs

Once the basics are out of the way (how much sun, water, fertiliser, etc) other frequently asked questions reveal all the interesting ins and outs of veggie gardening.

Can I use grey water on my veggies? What do I do about brown blotches on the veggie leaves? How do I get rid of snails? Can I make my own potting mix? And more. Just answering all the questions could fill several books.

Back to basics (we all need a reminder!)

What do veggies need?

Full sun in winter and shelter from the wind. At least six hours of sun in summer, preferably morning sun and afternoon shade.

The area should be as level as possible. It's easier to work and you won't have problems with water runoff. A slight slope is not a problem but rather terrace a steep slope. Be close to a tap for easy watering.

Veggies like fertile soil that drains well. Lighten heavy clay soil by adding compost and other organic material and carbon-based soil conditioners. Very sandy soil also needs compost and other organics to help it retain water.

When is the best time to plant veggies? 

The two main planting seasons are spring (September, October, November) and autumn (March, April, May). Seed packets will give the best time to sow and days until harvest to help with your planning. The weather plays a role, but working around the harvest date will be your best guide. The last sowing in autumn should be three to four weeks before the first frost, usually the end of May. The safest time to sow in spring is after the last frost, around 15 September.

How do I work out how much to plant?