10 of the best vegetables to grow in Jersey
If you are serious about your 5 in a day, vegetables will provide all you need. Whatever your goal is, growing your own is a good place to start.
We created a list of 10 best vegetables to grow in Jersey this year.
Why to grow your own?
- Growing your own is an organic, often chemical free way of bringing tastier, fresh, and healthier produce on your dining table
- It is a rewarding, satisfactory experience during the harvest and you get to spend some quality time outdoors getting some vitamin D from the sun
- A designed grow your own area, whether a veg patch or a few pots on the balcony, can bring a little structure to your outdoors
Best veggies to grow in Jersey include:
Jersey royal potatoes
Potatoes are the most common vegetable found on our planet. They contain 0% fat and are full of antioxidants and full-on fiber ensuring you are feeling filled for longer, preventing overeating. Maintaining the cholesterol and blood sugars in balance, potatoes help to prevent heart diseases. They are a great source of vitamin B, and the skin is packed with iron.
Plant spuds in a trench few inches deep in well drained, humus rich soil in full sun. The tubers are usually drought resistant, but a little watering might be needed during the dry spells. Best time to plant the Royals is April and May.
Ensure the potatoes are ripen when harvested, any green looking crop should be disposed of.
Carrots
Carrots are one of the easiest to grow vegetables. It is common knowledge that they are loaded with vitamin A, the vitamin important for a healthier eye side, however, consuming large volumes of carrots will not help to improve vision. They also contain high amounts of vitamin K and calcium, responsible for optimal bone development. Regular intake of carrot juice can also improve skin conditions, boost the immunity, and provide anticancer effects.
Carrots should be sown directly in the light, well drained but moist soil in sunny areas. Sow in a shallow trench approximately 1/2 inch deep in spring or summer. Allow to grow for 3-4 before harvesting.
Onions and garlic
Both, onions, and garlic, are plants belonging to the Allium family and are flavor foundation in most culinary dishes. When combined, they are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and B6, potassium, calcium phosphorus and manganese. The benefits of onions and garlic range from boost of the digestive system to cancer prevention. They also help to prevent heart diseases, improve bone density, and help to control blood sugars.
Plant the cloves and bulbs in a trench 3-4 inches deep in sunny sites in well drained moist soil of most textures, however, avoid planting in heavy clay. Ideal time to grow is normally late summer and early autumn.
Garden peas
It is no secret that garden peas are loaded with good quality pure protein. In fact, this is the protein used in supplements for bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. Apart from that, they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and zinc. Main benefits of garden peas include improvement of blood sugar levels, heart health, digestive health, and possible cancer prevention.
Garden peas can be started off inside growing in the pots or can be sown directly into the soil. To grow them, choose a sunny spot and plant or sow in well drained, humus rich moist soil. When sown directly in the soil, soil in a trench 3-4 inches deep from April to June. Provide extra support as needed. Allow to grow for 3-4 months before harvesting.
Tomatoes
Technically speaking, tomatoes are not veggies but a fruit, but we feel they deserve to be included in this list. They are a good source of vitamins C and K, and potassium. Consumption of tomatoes regularly can improve your heart and especially skin health. Tomatoes are also rich in carbs and fiber and can be easily stored in the form of puree, ketchup, or juice.
Tomatoes are versatile and can be grown in vegetable paths, pots and even hanging baskets. They can be grown from seeds indoors or in the greenhouse or purchased as an established plant. Either way, plant tomatoes outside in April or May in fertile, well drained but moist soil. extra support such as bamboo cane will be needed during growth.
Peppers
Peppers are rich in antioxidants, vitamin E and especially vitamin C. Did you know, one bell pepper contains more vitamin C than three oranges? No wonder that they greatly boost your immune system, speed up the metabolism and promote healthy digestion and the heart. They can also help to relieve the pain from migraines and joint pain. Research also suggests the reduction in cancer risk.
Peppers grow best in the greenhouses but can be grown outside in sheltered sites of full sun exposure. Whether grown from the seeds or purchased as a ready specimen, plant peppers in well drained, moist humus rich soil from April to June. Allow 2-3 to grow and provide support.
Beans
Legumes and beans are a great source of fiber, protein and vitamin B. Regular consumption can help to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Beans can also help with depression and bone density and development. High amounts of protein allows for meat substitution in vegetarian diets. Scientific research also shows a decrease in cancer risks.
Beans are easy to grow and can be sown directly in your vegetable patch in sunny, sheltered areas. Plant the seeds approximately 3 inches deep in moist but well drained soil, in late spring or early summer. They should be ready to harvest after 2 months.
If you have grown beans in previous years and they suffered from black spots, avoid planting in the same area.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are loaded with vitamin C, K and A as well as magnesium and potassium. Eating cucumbers often can help to prevent constipation, maintain blood sugar levels, and to boost your immunity system and can also prevent vision problems. Cucumbers are 90% water, helping you to stay hydrated. They are widely used in skincare, providing a soothing effect to your skin.
You can easily grow cucumber from the seeds inside or in a greenhouse. After a ganger of the frosts has passed, plant them outside in moist but well drained, humus rich soil in full sun. Allow approximately 2and ½ months for the crop to ripe. Regular harvesting will encourage further cropping.
Lettuce
Lettuces are very easy to grow and are packed with carbohydrates, protein, iron, and sugars. They contain vitamins C, B, A, E and K. Lettuce salads can help to regulate your sleep, lower the cholesterol levels, and can even help to reduce depression and anxiety. They are almost 95% water helping you keep hydrated throughout the day. High number of antioxidants helps to prevent various diseases.
Seeds should be sown indoors in March and shouldn’t be sown too deep as they need light to germinate. Plant the ready plants outside in late spring, summer, or early autumn in well drained, humus rich soil. Lettuces can be grown in veg patches and the pots alike.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a vegetable closely related to cauliflower and cabbage. It is loaded with antioxidants, fiber and plant protein and contains high amounts of vitamins A and K, phosphorus, and potassium. Broccoli is known to provide many health benefits including the boost of the immune system, reduction of inflammation, control of blood sugars, promotion of digestion, support of a healthy brain function and even support of dental health. Research also showed a prevention against certain types of cancer.
Broccoli grows best in full sun in a sheltered area. Plant in well drained but moist, humus rich soil in May or June. allow it to grow approximately 3 months before harvesting. In some warmer climates they can overwinter and be harvested again in the spring.
All the benefits of our recommendations are based on scientific research, but don’t take our word for it. Do you own independent research prior to purchase of your plants to avoid any future disappointments.
Looking for garden help and inspiration?
Get in touch today to arrange your personalised consultation.
