Gardening expert Lucie Bradley from Easy Garden Irrigation says one vegetable is perfect for beginners. “You can plant the seeds directly into the ground where they’re going to grow from mid-May onwards,” she explains.
For successful germination, the soil should reach a temperature of at least 15C, and there should be no risk of frost. To help warm the soil, gardeners can use garden fleece or tunnel cloches before planting, creating the ideal environment for seeds to sprout.
This popular vegetable is none other than the humble courgette, which is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in your garden.
“When sowing courgettes outdoors, depending on the weather, you can expect to begin harvesting them approximately eight weeks later,” Lucie says.
She recommends picking them while they’re still small for the best flavour, with the ideal size being between 10cm to 20cm in length. “The smaller the size, the stronger the flavour,” she adds.
However, as with any garden plant, courgettes come with their share of challenges. “The most common pests to look out for when growing courgettes are slugs and snails,” Lucie warns.
These pests can quickly damage young plants, so she recommends using physical barriers such as bell cloches or tunnel cloches to protect them.
Bell cloches, which feature vents at the top, work well for individual plants, while tunnel cloches are perfect for rows. Using these protective measures can help ensure your courgettes grow strong and healthy, free from pest damage.
When it comes to growing courgettes, the process is relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal for novice gardeners.
Lucie points out that courgette seeds are large and easy to handle, making them simple to plant without overcrowding.
“Sowing courgette seeds is simple as they are large, making them easy to handle and plant without overcrowding,” she says.
She recommends planting two seeds about 13mm deep, spaced 90cm apart, and then selecting the strongest plant once they sprout.
To ensure healthy growth, it’s important to improve the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure, and keep the plants well-watered, especially during dry spells. With proper care, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of courgettes throughout the summer.