As you know, we at Spilucco are promoters of healthy eating , natural cultivation, and the promotion of small but fundamental agricultural realities.

On our shop you can find legumes, cereals , oil , tomato puree and many other organic products from small Tuscan producers. What we are not yet able to manage at the moment (but which we would really like) are shipments of fresh fruit and vegetables . To overcome this shortcoming, we therefore thought it might be useful to teach you the tricks for starting your own small home vegetable garden!

Starting a home vegetable garden can be a rewarding and healthy experience, as well as an excellent hobby to practice in spring, summer and autumn. Not only does it allow you to have fresh fruit and vegetables on hand, but it also offers the opportunity to reduce stress and improve your health. In this article, we will discover the advantages of having a home vegetable garden, which crops are most suitable for our area and easy to grow for beginners, and how to take care of them.

If you are not convinced, know that in 2021 the FAO also installed an urban garden on the roof of the priory headquarters in Rome.

The Advantages of a Home Vegetable Garden

1. Freshness and Quality : Growing your own food ensures access to fresh, pesticide-free produce harvested at its peak nutritional quality.
2. Economic Savings : Although the initial investment may vary, in the long term you save on the purchase of fruit and vegetables.
3. Sustainability : Reducing the transport and packaging of food products helps reduce the environmental impact.
4. Health Benefits : Physical activity linked to garden care is excellent exercise, and contact with nature reduces stress and improves mental well-being.
5. Education and Knowledge : Learning to grow teaches you the value of food and can be an educational activity for the whole family.

The Ideal Crops for the Italian Territory

The Italian climate is conducive to a wide range of fruits and vegetables. However, for beginners, it is advisable to start with crops that are easier to manage, such as the following:

• Sowing : At the end of winter in a seedbed, to be transplanted in spring.
• Sun Exposure : They require full sun.
• Watering : Regular, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
• Fertilization : Rich in potassium and phosphorus, moderate in nitrogen.

Courgettes : They grow quickly and do not require special care. They require space, but reward with abundant production.

• Sowing : From March to May.
• Sun Exposure : Full sun.
• Watering : Abundant, especially during flowering and fruit formation.
• Fertilization : They require soil rich in organic matter, fertilize with mature compost.

Lettuce : Varieties such as romaine and leaf lettuce are easy to grow and can be harvested in multiple cycles throughout the season.

• Sowing : From February to October, depending on the variety.
• Sun Exposure : Partial sun.
• Watering : Frequent, preferably in the morning.
• Fertilization : Not demanding, nitrogen-balanced fertilizer.

Carrots : Carrots are hardy and grow well in well-drained soil. They are ideal for those who want to try their hand at root cultivation.

• Sowing : From March to July directly in the open field.
• Sun Exposure : Full or partial sun.
• Watering : Regular, keeping the soil moist.
• Fertilization : Well-drained soil rich in potassium.

Herbs : Basil, parsley, rosemary and mint are not only easy to grow, but they also add a touch of flavor to dishes.

• Sowing : Variable depending on the grass, generally from March to May.
• Sun Exposure : full sun.
• Watering : Moderate, avoiding water stagnation.
• Fertilization : moderate with organic fertilizer.

How to Take Care of Your Home Garden

1. Soil Preparation : It is essential to start with good quality soil. Adding compost or well-matured manure can improve soil fertility.
2. Watering : Plants need water, but not all in the same quantity. It is important to know the specific needs of each crop and water regularly, avoiding water stagnation which could cause root rot.
3. Sun Exposure : Most vegetable plants require at least 6-8 hours of sun per day. Choosing a well-exposed position can make the difference in the performance of the garden.
4. Weed Control : Weeds compete with plants for water and nutrients. It is important to keep them under control through regular weeding or mulching.
5. Protection from Pests : Using natural methods, such as the use of beneficial insects or preparations based on garlic and chili pepper, can help protect plants without resorting to chemical pesticides.
6. Crop Rotation : Changing crops annually helps prevent soil depletion and the spread of specific plant diseases.

Fruit trees

If you have enough space, adding fruit trees to your vegetable patch or garden can further enrich the growing experience. Plants such as apple, pear, apricot, cherry and peach trees require very little maintenance, other than pruning at the end of the season. They should be transplanted in spring or autumn and require full sun exposure.

Crops for the terrace

If you live in the city or are not lucky enough to have a garden, even a terrace can become an excellent space for growing. Here are some plants that are perfectly suited to growing in pots:

1. Cherry tomatoes : Cherry tomatoes grow well in pots. Use pots at least 30 cm deep and ensure good sun exposure.
2. Lettuce : Leafy varieties are ideal for growing in pots or boxes, with frequent harvests of fresh leaves.
3. Herbs : Basil, parsley, mint and rosemary thrive in pots and require little maintenance.
4. Strawberries : Plant in hanging pots or hanging boxes. They require sun and regular watering.
5. Zucchini : Dwarf or compact varieties are perfect for pots.

Conclusion

Starting a home vegetable garden requires commitment, but the benefits far outweigh the efforts. In addition to guaranteeing fresh, quality products, a vegetable garden can become a source of personal satisfaction and a way to contribute to environmental sustainability. By following these tips, even novices will be able to achieve excellent results and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Happy gardening!