Spring is the perfect time to get out into the garden and plant some vegetables. According to Gardeners World, there are a few vegetables you can plant this weekend for a summer crop. In particular, the experts highlight “fast-growing” vegetables if you are hoping to enjoy your crop within the next few months.
“April is a busy time in ornamental and vegetable gardens in the UK, as lots of seeds should be sown this month,” said the experts.
“Now the days are longer and reliably warmer, April is the month to make tentative sowings of some seed outside, while others can be started under glass to be planted out after all risk of frost has passed.”
If you don’t have a vegetable patch, the good news is that all three of these vegetables can be grown in pots. Simply make sure that you place them in the right conditions and regularly water them.
Turnips
Turnips are a quick-growing vegetable which means that if you plant them this weekend you could expect a crop ready for harvest in as little as six weeks. Turnips can be grown in a pot or in a vegetable patch making them versatile for many types of gardener.
Make sure to keep your turnips well watered if you want them to grow quickly. You will know it is time for harvest when your turnips are roughly the size of a golf ball.
According to Gardeners World, this is when you can expect the best flavour. They also recommend eating the leaves as greens.
Radishes
Radishes are another fast-growing vegetable that can be planted in pots. If you are growing them in the ground they do well being planted alongside slower-growing vegetables such as parsnips.
Make sure to sow directly into the soil every three or four weeks for a continuous supply throughout the summer months. Radishes do need regular water and warm temperatures, so planting them in a sunny spot is key.
Beetroot
Gardeners World say that beetroot is “an easy crop to grow, making it ideal for beginners”. As long as you have fertile, well-drained soil, it should grow with ease.
However, beetroot can also be grown in pots. “Follow the spacing instructions on the packet and thin the seedlings to about 10cm when they are around 3cm high,’ said Gardeners World.
During dry spells or in very free-draining soil, water plants every 10–14 days. Your beetroots will be ready for harvest when they reach roughly the size of a golf ball.
