Roots and Shoots: Growing Beetroot, Onions and Leeks for Year-Round Flavour
Vegetable gardening is a rewarding way to bring fresh, homegrown ingredients into your kitchen. Beetroot, onions and leeks are not only versatile in the kitchen but are a classic trio in the kitchen, often used in soups and stews. They’re also relatively easy to grow, making them excellent choices for both novice and seasoned gardeners. Here’s how to cultivate these flavourful roots and shoots in your own garden.
Beetroot: The Vibrant All-Rounder
Beetroot is a colourful root vegetable packed with nutrients and a sweet, earthy flavour. It’s a great addition to salads and roasts.
- Why Plant It?
- Thrives in small garden spaces or containers.
- High in vitamins, fibre and antioxidants.
- Quick-growing: harvest in as little as 8–10 weeks.
- Growing Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in the ground in rows 20–30 cm apart.
- Ensure well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost.
- Water consistently to prevent woody roots, and thin seedlings to allow room for growth.
- Plant 5 – 10 plants per household member.
Onions: The Garden Essential
Onions are a staple in most cuisines, bringing depth of flavour to any dish. Growing your own ensures a fresh supply year-round.
- Why Plant It?
- Low maintenance and hardy.
- Long shelf-life after harvest.
- Adds robust flavour to a variety of recipes.
- Growing Tips:
- Plant bulbs or seedlings in loose, well-drained soil.
- Space 10cm apart in rows 20–30 cm apart.
- Keep weeds under control to avoid competition for nutrients.
- Plant 10 – 12 plants per household member.
Leeks: The Subtle Flavour Enhancer
Leeks are a versatile member of the allium family, offering a delicate onion-like flavour that pairs beautifully with soups, stews and quiches.
- Why Plant It?
- A cold-hardy crop for year-round gardening.
- Adds a mild, sweet flavour to dishes.
- Ideal for small-space gardening due to upright growth.
- Growing Tips:
- Sow seeds in early summer or transplant seedlings.
- Plant in trenches and hill soil around stems to encourage long, white shafts.
- Water consistently and feed with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser for optimal growth.
- Plant 12 – 15 plants per household member.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Crops
- Beetroot: Harvest once the roots are about the size of a golf ball for the best flavour.
- Onions: Wait until the tops yellow and fall over, then cure for storage.
- Leeks: Pick them as needed once the stems reach a desirable size.
By planting beetroot, onions, and leeks, you’ll enjoy a garden that’s not only productive but also beautiful. With their low maintenance and high versatility, these vegetables are a must-have for every home gardener. Happy planting!