The 4,000 square metre backyard garden of Sarah and Ben Anderson is awash with fresh produce – from rock-melon and pumpkins to marigolds and calendula. Self-confessed ‘Google growers’, Sarah and Ben have evolved their Woonoona home to a thriving market garden, Popes Produce, and are leading by example when it comes to sustainable practice in the home. So what’s the best way to get started for aspiring green thumbs? We sat done with Sarah to get her top-tips on the simplest vegetables to grow in your own home.
Sprouts
“A really great start, especially if you’re not sure how much light, energy, or access to water you’ve got, are sprouts. Pop them next to the kitchen sink, rinse them morning and evening, and after three days you’ll have an edible product that you can sprinkle over your salad, or onto your soup.”
Herbs
“If you have a bit more time, and know you can commit to it, try potting. Find a little patch for your pots, observe the soil and what kind of life is in it, then just stick something in and see what happens. Once parsley has been transplanted, it’s easy. Thyme, sage, narsutium don’t need much attention at all, and once they get growing they will bring a gorgeous touch of colour to your garden – vibrant yellows and purples, oranges and reds.”
Lettuce
“Lettuce is an entry-level vegetable for growing, plus growing it in your garden means you’ll see it on the menu more as you try to use it up!”
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