If you enjoy throwing a handful of mint on a raita or topping a sambhar with a few curry leaves on a whim, then it is time to say goodbye to making frequent runs to the grocery store at the last minute and instead learn how to cultivate a kitchen garden. A small garden that serves a specific purpose and is used just for the purpose of cultivating vegetables and herbs for use in the kitchen is referred to as a kitchen garden.
Having a kitchen garden is a great way to save money, unwind and eat healthier. Over the past several years, the practice of kitchen gardening has been increasingly popular. With this new interest, you may cultivate your favourite herb or veggie while simultaneously relieving a great deal of anxiety and stress. Yet, many of us begin a kitchen garden without fully understanding the ins and outs of its maintenance and care. You can maintain a flourishing kitchen garden by following these simple guidelines.
First and Foremost
Different types of kitchen gardens exist, and the way you plan yours depends on how much time you have.
Space, soil, sunshine, and the plants you want to grow will be the most important things to think about. For most plants, early spring is the best time to start a garden, but it depends on the plants you choose.
When planning, you should think about how close the garden will be to your kitchen, whether it gets enough sun for the plants you want to grow, and where you will actually put the plants in the garden.
What to Grow
A variety of herbs that you frequently use in the kitchen are a good place to start.
You get to decide what goes into your kitchen garden. If you were to visit a farmer's market, what would you most likely buy? If you were to cook with any herb, which one would it be? Does the summertime bring you the need for a tomato sandwich on a daily basis? Herbs and vegetables that you eat and use often should be grown.
A kitchen garden is an ideal environment for the cultivation of herbs and spices such as coriander, mint, thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, and fenugreek. Moreover, you might incorporate greens like lettuce and spinach into your diet. In the event that you are looking to take things to the next level during the warmer months, you could also include a tomato plant and cucumbers in your garden.
It will be easier for you to manage the kitchen garden if you plant vegetables that are appropriate for the season. The amount of time and work required to cultivate it would be reduced. Seasonal plants are not only beneficial for your health, but they would also save you a significant amount of money. However, you should only choose one or two different kinds of plants to grow in the kitchen garden to begin with and gradually increase.
How To Take Care
When compared to a vegetable garden, a kitchen garden normally requires less maintenance, however, this might vary depending on the size of the garden.
Depending on the plants that you select, your watering schedule will be different. For instance, rosemary thrives in a dry atmosphere, but mint needs frequent watering. Mint, on the other hand! Keep in mind that fertiliser is also important.
There are a great number of plants that flourish when grown together with other plants. To give you an example, combining lettuce with carrots or onions is an effective way to prevent unneeded weeds from growing in your kitchen garden. If you want to have a healthy kitchen garden, you have the choice of choosing between one plant and two herbs.