Green Ambition

More than a leisure pursuit, urban gardening offers homeowners the opportunity to grow their own fresh produce. Here are some helpful tips on what vegetables to grow and how to tend to your greens.

Before you begin, think about whether it is better to purchase your crops as seeds or transplants. Buying seeds allows you to select from a wider range of plants and is easier on the pocket. On the other hand, transplants are easy, immediate and good for small gardens. A transplant with a healthy root system is also more likely to survive.

If you have the luxury of space, a raised bed with about 20cm of soil is one of the best places to grow your crops. Alternatively, you can buy a deep rectangular trough or pot of the same depth, with drainage holes. Mix potting soil and compost mix in equal parts and you are ready to go.

WHAT TO GROW

LONG BEANS

Fans of sambal long beans will be pleased to know that this is a vegetable that even beginners can grow quite easily. Sow the seeds and provide a trellis for the plant to climb as it grows.

BRINJAL

Another easy crop to start with, brinjals or eggplants are best grown in clay pots. Make sure to clean and dry your pot in the sun before planting.

SWEET POTATO LEAVES

Select a spot that gets full sunlight and plant the seeds in sandy, well-drained soil. Sweet potato leaves are hardy and require little care.

SPRING ONIONS