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Growing your own vegetables can be incredibly rewarding and a great way to save on grocery bills.
As our clever and creative Bunnings Workshop members have shown us, you don’t always need a spacious garden or the perfect climate to grow vegetables or herbs. Below are some terrific ways our members have grown healthy and fresh produce in their gardens.
1. Direct planting
This is one of the most common ways of growing vegetables. A key step is to enrich the soil by adding compost or organic matter, like Michelle (@mich1972) did when creating her no-dig garden bed for edibles.
The Bunnings team shares more tips on growing vegetables in Beginners guide to starting a vegetable garden.
2. Raised garden beds
Raised garden beds are a popular choice for growing vegetables, herbs and flowers. Weeds and pests are easier to manage without the strain of bending and kneeling. Using H4 treated Pine sleepers from Bunnings, Bruce (@bruceprince) built these terrific 2.4 by 4.8m raised garden beds that are still "going strong" after several years.
Our community members have shared more ideas in 7 ways to build a raised garden bed.
3. Planters
Planters are typically portable so they can be moved around in your garden and even to a new home. Glen's (@Glenc) mobile vegetable garden includes a built-in worm farm to help fertilise the plants.
Have a look at the step-by-step guide to building a portable garden bed by the Bunnings team. Experienced Workshop member Rob (@Peggers) has also put together a simple guide to making a very simple planter box for beginners.
4. Vertical gardens
Perfect for those with compact backyards, vertical gardens can provide more space for growing herbs, flowers and vegetables. They can also help enliven an otherwise dull fence. Member @KingStreetReno used a vertical garden kit to create their herb garden along a painted fence.
Check out 5 ways to create a vertical garden for more creative ideas.
5. Greenhouses
Designed to protect plants and provide a more controlled growing environment, greenhouses can be an effective option for growing vegetables. Lisa's (@LisasGarden) greenhouse features built-in garden beds and is used for growing vegetables like capsicum and eggplant.
Cold frames can also be used to grow vegetables in cool climates. Workshop member @Aussie-Garden built a cold frame that helps trap heat and protects their vegetables.
6. Hanging baskets
Hanging baskets and pots can be used to grow vegetables like tomatoes while being a delightful feature in your home. The Bunnings team shares How to create a hanging basket garden.
Horticulturalist and Workshop member @Noelle's guide How to choose plants for hanging baskets contains useful tips.
7. Hydroponic setups
Hydroponic gardening (growing plants in water) is an option for those who don’t have access to nutrient-rich soil. Lee (@pLethora) built an outdoor hydroponic garden using the VegTrug Growing kit with a light and used it to grow snow peas, lettuce and various herbs.
Nurhadi (@Prof) is also growing hydroponic plants like tomatoes and lettuce and has shared his experiences.
How to grow vegetables
The Bunnings team has produced many guides on growing vegetables that may help, including How to start a vegetable garden and Nine easy vegies to grow.
Garden expert @Adam_W has also shared a simple guide on growing tomatoes from seed to harvest which includes tips on keeping your plants healthy.
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