It's not really a vegetable patch, but two raised garden beds or planter boxes, about 4 x 6 ft each. They were full of grass and weeds when we moved in. Removed those then added more garden soil and mixed in a bag of dried animal manure (kangaroo and rabbit). The bag was conveniently by the box. Watered well, mulched and let it sit for a few weeks while the decision was made what to plant.
Plant what you like to eat and start small. Armed with this sound advice, I made my selection. I planted seedlings of breakfast radishes, baby carrots and onions in one box; in the other, lettuces and strawberries.
After about four to six weeks, all were looking healthy and ready for picking. Or so I thought. The carrots didn't turn out too good. I didn't thin them and so ended up with stunted globs of carrot.
The lettuces, on the other hand, are spectacular: a never ending feast. I planted a lettuce combo, which was a great decision. They taste different and I love the purple colouring of the cos.
Radishes were a success too: crunchy with a mild peppery after taste.
The strawberries are even better: lots of flowers and fruit. I planted two varieties: Kamu Big Red and Red Gauntlet, two plants of each.
Only one or two strawberries to start, but now lots. I liquid feed them regularly with Seasol and Thrive and pick the fruit every three to four days to encourage new fruit. I'm really pleased with my strawberries.
So far the birds haven't made any attempt to eat them, but I have lost a couple to black Portuguese millipedes, so I check daily for these creatures.
The Roma tomato is doing very well: so far I've counted twelve tomatoes on the vine. Lots of flowers on the other plant, but as yet no fruit.
The capsicum has two green capsicums and lots of flowers.
I'm certainly having beginner's luck with my vegetables and strawberries. It is very satisfying growing your own and the taste is so much better than produce you buy in the supermarket. I'm definitely hooked on vegetable growing.
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