This spring is the perfect time to start your first Grow-Your-Own fruit and vegetable garden!

If you have been mulling over the whole grow-it-yourself-food movement, wondering if you could pull it off, then let’s make the first step easier. Use this essential checklist to get started so you won’t miss a thing.

But first…

Why Grow It Yourself is the Way To Go

Here are some reasons to start growing your own fruit and vegetables in your backyard or allotment.

It’s never too late to start – here’s why:

1. With inflation and the recent reality of supply shocks from the last pandemic, it must have occurred to you that this would be a cost-saving backup plan. With the world in its current state, starting the process towards self-sufficiency doesn’t hurt.
2. Feeling guilty about all those Airmiles and logistical burdens from your supermarket purchases? Growing your own food is a contribution you can make towards reducing your carbon footprint.  
3. Don’t forget the Superior Taste! With the right feed and care, homegrown produce that ripens naturally on the vine delivers superior flavour to store-bought options. These products are often picked unripe.
4. You’ll literally reap the benefits of cooking with seasonal bounty: Throughout the growing season, you can enjoy a wider variety of fruits and vegetables that may not always be readily available in stores.
5. Growing your own food is an organic process by nature. You can exert more control over using artificial pesticides and fertilisers and choose to consume more organic food.
6. It’s good for your well-being on so many fronts. Think of the sheer peace of mind you will be getting knowing where your food comes from. Exercise plus the regular pleasure of spending time with nature is a balm for any soul. When it comes to harvest time, you will also feel a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
7.  It is also a great way to teach your children about food and a proven method for persuading them to enjoy vegetables by involving them in the growing process.

When is the Best Time to Start Your Grow Your Own Patch?

We are inclined to say ANYTIME is the best time – what’s important is that you start regardless.

Nevertheless, spring is a really good time in Ireland to feel inspired by nature’s new year and get your hands dirty for all these reasons:

Reasons Why Spring is ideal for growing:

• Gradually increasing temperatures and longer daylight hours make this the moment for n starting with ideal conditions for seed germination and plant growth for cool-season vegetables.
• By April, the risk of frost generally decreases significantly, making it safer for many vegetables to sow seeds directly outdoors.
• February to Early April allows you time to plan your garden layout, purchase seeds or seedlings, and prepare your soil before the summer heat arrives.

Prepare Your Seedlings During the Cold Months.

Remember! Irish weather can be unpredictable, with occasional cold snaps, storms, sudden frosts, and rain showers even in April. If necessary, prepare to protect young seedlings with cloches or row covers.

• While preparing or building your vegetable patch, you can also start germinating your seeds indoors in advance for earlier harvests.
• Harden off your seedlings before transplanting them outdoors whilst keeping an eye on the weather forecast and protecting your plants from unexpected frosts.
• We’ve got a great blog to help you get those seedlings going in this step-by-step guide: “​​Sow Your Spring Seeds Indoors Starting Now. Here’s How!”

Even though spring is a great time to start – you can continue planting the full range of options until later spring or summer, depending on the vegetables appropriate for the season.

What to Plant in your Grow-It-Yourself Vegetable Patch?

Well, if you are starting to plant in the Irish Spring, here are some options that will work while the weather is still cool, especially if you start planting in April:

• A selection of Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and arugula/ rocket.
• Start popping in those Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips.
• Prep those Peas: These leagues are ideal for cool-weather legumes and set the scene for better soil conditions, as they are a great nitrogen fixer for your soil.
• Start germinating your Herbs: Parsley, chives, dill, and cilantro.

Where To Plant? How to Choose the Right Spot!

Like everything else regarding real estate – it’s all about Location, Location, Location! Consider these tips when choosing the perfect spot for your first grow-it-yourself vegetable patch.

• Situate the patch in a sunny location sheltered from strong winds.
• Start building raised beds for a more contained and protected growing. There are many benefits to using raised beds, and we’ve also got a quick blog that helps you build one here: “Building a Raised Bed has Benefits! Here’s a Budget-Friendly Guide.”

What to Plant in? Get the Soil Ready

Good quality soil is essential for plant growth and the very foundation of a successful growing season.

• Aim for well-drained soil. You can use a simple test to assess soil drainage, such as the hole test.
• The GIY community has excellent resources for learning more about soil amendments in Ireland, such as this video on “Soil Fertility.”
• Supplement the soil if necessary for optimal plant growth. Our blog, “Ways To Enhance Plant Growth And Create A More Fertile Garden, “has a comprehensive take on improving soil conditions.

 A Grow-Your-Own Tools and Supplies Checklist

Ireland’s climate and soil conditions can vary, so it is important to select tools and supplies that will help you manage these effectively.

Essential Tools

• Spade and Shovel: For digging and turning soil.
• Garden Fork: Helps in breaking up compacted soil.
• Hoe: Useful for weeding and shaping soil.
• Rake: To level soil and clear debris.
• Hand Trowel and Fork: For planting and weeding in tight spaces.
• Secateurs: For pruning plants and harvesting vegetables.
• Garden Hose with Adjustable Nozzle: This is for watering different types of plants appropriately.
• Watering Can: This can has a rose attachment for gentle watering of seedlings.
• Wheelbarrow: For transporting soil, compost, and garden waste.

Essential Supplies

• Compost: Essential for enriching the soil.
• Mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. You can make your own mulch or buy bags from the Store.
• Seeds or Seedlings: Choose varieties suitable for the Irish climate. Popular choices include potatoes, carrots, onions, and leafy greens.
• Plant Supports: For climbing plants like tomatoes and beans, such as stakes or trellises.
• Organic Fertilizer: To provide essential nutrients to your plants.
• Pest Control Solutions: Preferably organic or natural methods to protect your vegetables.
• Gardening Gloves: To protect your hands.
• pH Soil Tester: To monitor soil health and adjust as necessary for different types of vegetables.

Helpful Grow Your Own Resources

Here are some handy sites designed just for you, the Grow It Yourself beginner! They are full of resources and even videos to guide you on this journey.

• The main Grow it Yourself website for the Irish garden – giy.ie
• The Georgina Campbell Grow It Yourself guide

Start Looking Forward to a Bountiful Harvest!

The best part of growing comes last when you are finally ready to harvest. Be sure to savour the hard-won satisfaction of homegrown food.

For everything else, as they say, visit Homevalue.ie for all your gardening materials shopping list.

It doesn’t stop there. Once you can grow your first crop, you can take it further by planning an even more considerable garden lot or find new ways to grow a vertical garden in the next growing season.

With these tools, steps and supplies, you’ll be well-equipped to start a productive vegetable garden tailored to the Irish climate and soil conditions.

Remember, gardening is a learning process; don’t hesitate to experiment and adjust based on what works best in your garden.