I’m a gardening pro and a versatile veggie is easier to grow than you think – plus how to keep away hungry little pests

GROWING your own foods in an outdoor space of any size is possible, a gardening expert says.

He shared tips for a vegetable patch that thrives without being nibbled on by hungry pests.

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Craig Wilson is the co-founder, director, and in-house gardening expert at Gardeners Dream.

Speaking to The U.S. Sun, he revealed how homeowners can have a flourishing vegetable patch even if they aren’t the most experienced gardener.

BRIGHT START 

Wilson said considering where will be the “ideal spot” with adequate sunlight is the first step for growing food.

“A sheltered spot is ideal, as this will help to keep your vegetable patch protected through adverse weather conditions,” he said. 

“However, while some shelter is good, you also need to ensure that this area also benefits from lots of sun and natural moisture. 

“So if you have a spot that has each of these things, you’re ready to get started, if not, you may need to reconsider starting a vegetable patch at home.

“The next thing you will need to consider is your soil, you need to be sure that it is of the best possible quality to give your crops a chance to grow.”

SIMPLE SOWING

The gardening expert revealed there is a selection of easy-to-grow foods but it’s important to consider the climate.

For example, in “unpredictable weather” peas can withstand a big downpour or “minimal sunny spells.”

He said they thrive in well-draining soil but need a bamboo stick for support. 

“Leafy greens such as lettuce are really simple to grow,” he said.

“All you need to do is sow the seeds in fertile soil in a sunny location, water regularly and when leaves start to grow, harvest regularly to maintain steady growth.

“It might be surprising, but zucchinis are very easy to grow as you can grow them along the ground in the same way you would a pumpkin, no frame needed.

“Just ensure that you plant them at least 90cm apart as they can often grow larger than you’d expect.”

Tomato hornworms are hungry little pests that, if given the chance, could completely decimate a tomato plant within a day.

Craig Wilson

Wilson said homeowners without access to a garden can grow almost anything with a pot or planter. 

“As long as your courtyard or balcony receives ample sunlight and you can water plants regularly in that space, then there is no reason why you cannot grow a good stock of veggies,” he said.

“Tomatoes, carrots, salad leaves, beans, peppers, and potatoes are all examples of vegetables that thrive in pots as well as they do in a larger vegetable garden.”

BUG OFF 

“For those of us that like to grow our own fruits and vegetables, pests are unfortunately a regular battle,” Wilson said.

“Common veggies such as cucumbers and tomatoes, will encourage the presence of whiteflies and tomato hornworms.

“Whiteflies are fast breeding pests that gather on the underside of the leaves, sucking the sap and weakening the plants. 

“If infestations are particularly bad and out of control, they can ultimately cause the plant to die.”

“Tomato hornworms are hungry little pests that, if given the chance, could completely decimate a tomato plant within a day,” he continued.

“They chew on both the leaves and the fruit of tomato and other solanaceous plants.”

He recommended rotating crops annually to prevent soil-borne pests and diseases from becoming well-established. 

“To protect plants against pests above ground, use covers made of a lightweight, permeable fabric to protect your vegetables from a wide range of pests while still allowing light, water, and air to reach the plants,” he said.

“To get rid of whiteflies in particular, spray your plants with a hose to scatter adults and dislodge the pupa and eggs. 

“Young white flies cannot crawl and die without access to their food source. 

“To stop the adults from returning to your plants, treat them with neem oil as soon as you have removed the flies from the plant.”

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