How to grow a summer garden of any size

With some forward planning and some good soil, planting a flower or vegetable garden at home can pass the time and put food on the table.

Plant, prune, trim and mow — summer is the ideal time to get busy in the garden again.

And with some forward planning and some good soil, planting a flower or vegetable garden can pass the time and put food on the table.

The pandemic saw a surge of households interested in growing their own food, and it’s expected to continue over the warmer season, says Bunnings gardening category manager Belinda Rakers.

“We’re seeing lots of customers stocking up on potted colour and seedlings, as well as garden beds and hand tools used for planting,” she says.

Their website found an increase in online traffic as Australians looked for ideas and advice on how to build a raised garden bed with sleepers.

The pandemic saw a surge of households growing their own food.

Tomatoes, capsicums, salad greens, parsley, basil, thyme and coriander continue to be top sellers in the seedling stakes.

“Cucumbers, zucchini and pumpkin yield a bounty of produce, and gardenias are great favourites for summer, as are frangipanis, dahlias, zinnias and sunflowers,” Plant Life Balance ambassador and Glenmore House kitchen gardener Mickey Robertson says.

“Watering before the sun hits is a must for plants but also such a delightful way to begin the day.”

Although gardens are usually created in a full sun position in the backyard, there’s no reason a well-designed patch cannot be an attractive feature in the front garden. The chosen site should get five or more hours of sunlight each day.

A 10sqm patch will feed a family of four — expect to spend two to four hours a week maintaining it.

Install an irrigation system and consider the benefits of a rainwater tank and a greywater system.

Horticulturalist Chloe Thomson. Picture: Gerard Hynes

“Depending on your garden’s current state, you’ll need compost, plants, fertiliser and mulch. And don’t forget water and sunlight,” horticulturists Dominic Hooghuis and Duncan Hilder of The Plant Runner say.

“Beware of pests as they’ll be attracted to fresh fruit and vegetables. Consider eco-friendly pest deterrents such as neem oil or fruit fly traps.”

If you don’t have space for fruit trees, consider growing them in pots, as small feature trees in the flower garden or as espalier.

During lockdown, horticulturalist Chloe Thomson had sowed many flowers and vegetables for the summer, including hydrangeas, dahlias, beans and corn.

“Dahlias have taken Instagram by storm, but if you’ve left it too late, pick up potted dahlias from your local garden centre or nursery,” she says.

Entice the youngsters to join you in the art of gardening. Easy-to-grow vegetables and annuals provide quick and gratifying results that will keep them interested.

Just about anything that will hold soil can be used for planting, from an old tyre to an outgrown baby bath.

Your local nursery will be able to help with information on the types of plants suitable for children.

Originally published as How to grow a summer garden of any size