5 Easy to grow Super Foods
We often talk about how gardening is a great form of exercise and keeps you healthy, so why not combine the two and use it to help grow your own superfoods to keep your diet healthy too. We have found 5 easy to grow super foods to go from your garden to your table.
Peppers
April is the perfect time to plant your peppers and they thrive in many environments, whether you have a small sunny patio or a greenhouse, you can find space to grow them. Delicious in a salad or cooked in some fajitas, one medium pepper provides 169% of the reference daily intake of vitamin C, it is also said to help improve your eyesight and help prevent anaemia.
Kale
This easy grow superfood is best sown between February and July. Even if this is your first time growing vegetables, it’s easy to find success with this plant. Kale can grow in containers and planters as long as your pot is at least 12 inches in diameter and be sure to keep the soil moist to encourage consistent growth. Packed full of vitamin A, K and C it is also high in potassium and calcium. It’s loaded with powerful antioxidants that help keep your immune system healthy and strong and all of this can be grown in your garden in 30-40 days.
Carrots
Carrots are best grown in February – July in a sunny space and require well drained soil and deep rows, growing most successfully in the open ground. High in fibre and vitamin A, carrots are great vegetables to lower blood cholesterol, help with eye sight as well as being a low calorie food. Whether you enjoy eating a crunchy carrot dipped in hummus or adding them to a casserole, they’re a great easy grow from your garden.
Tomatoes
Available to buy as young plants, or from seeds, tomatoes are an easy addition to your garden. They can be grown in pots, grow bags and even hanging baskets. Thriving in a sunny sheltered spot, whether that is in a greenhouse, on a patio or a windowsill, you’re sure to find a suitable spot. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and potassium and also have high levels of lycopene which is known to help improve and look after your skin. As we approach ‘salad season’ what a great way to bulk out your bowl with a home-grown tomato.
Cabbage
Another easy grow veg that you may not have thought to plant up in your garden is cabbage. Best planted between May and August, cabbage is best in open ground or in one or two large, deep containers. Cabbage is packed full of vitamin C and contains antioxidants that have been known to help reduce inflammation. It also helps keep your heart healthy and improve your digestion.
Remember to download our veg calendar from our Free Resources page to help with your sowing and harvesting.
When growing vegetables choosing the right compost and feed is important. Check out https://www.lovethegarden.com/. Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics range provide a multitude of products such as Liquid and Granular plant food, and a Fruit and Veg specific compost, to make sure you get the most out of your grow.
