Which vegetables grow in your part of the Mediterranean depends on your climatic conditions. If you are lucky to be on the coast with water available on demand then you will probably be able to harvest a very good range of vegetables throughout the year. If, however, you are in an area with extremely high summer temperatures and a limited water supply then you will probably have to grow the bulk of your produce in the cooler months of autumn, winter and spring. We are in a Cypriot valley with slightly cooler summer temperatures than inland areas and about 30 kilometres from the sea which provides a cooling breeze. We are also at a height of about 280 metres above sea level and have soil which is very fertile, so we can grow a variety of crops. The variation in sowing and planting times is dependant on your own climatic circumstances but the differences are likely to be between plus or minus two weeks. If you are new to an area keep an eye on local gardeners to see when they start sowing and planting or ask your local nursery who can usually provide invaluable advice. The advice provided is to enable you to decide which vegetables best suit your conditions but the most important requirement is to grow and eat what you and your family enjoy most and gradually introduce a few new additions each season and continue with the ones you enjoy and discard the others. The guidelines for each vegetable will allow you to grow and eat your produce at their best. By following sowing and planting times you will ensure plants are healthy enough to fight the pests and diseases which may come along with a minimum of intervention. Organic growing methods also require less watering and additional feeding of artificial fertilisers which generally just result in larger but tasteless crops. Always start with good seeds and ideal conditions and nature generally takes care of the rest. When planning your choice of vegetables to grow you must keep in mind crop rotation, different plants belong to the following families and those within a family have the same requirements and usually suffer from the same pests and diseases. By rotating crops we can avoid the build-up of a particular disease in the soil and ensure the soil is not depleted of essential nutrients which would result by continually growing one family in the same part of a vegetable plot. For more information on crop rotation go to Planning.  The first, of twenty-two, deep beds of 1.5m width and 6m in length is completed.  All twenty-two deep beds are completed along with the herb garden. Solanaceae (Require high nitrogen levels - which is provided by manuring before planting. Prefers a slightly acid soil of pH 5.5 - 7.0 and Rotation Cycle A)
 This family of vegetables are high in antioxidants which help block the formation and fight and destroy free radicals that damage body cells. Low in carbohydrates and fats but have many essential minerals and vitamins.
Crucifarae (The Cabbage Family - most have a long growing period and require a pH 6.0 to 7.5 - Rotation Cycle C)
 The health benefits and nutritional value of crucifarae family are many: some are that they are ant-inflammatory; have detoxifying properties; contain the compound sulforaphane which has been shown to stimulate antioxidants which can protect against harmful free radicals; high in fibre and vitamin K. Leguminosae (The Bean Family - have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air - pH 6.0 to 7.5 - Rotation Cycle B
All legumes can be eaten fresh or dried. A rich source of protein, fibre, essential nutrients including folate, magnesium and potassium. By replacing foods high in saturated fats with legumes you will lower your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular problems. A mature black eyed bean plant Aliums (The Onion Family - pH 6.0 to 7.0 - Rotation Cycle D)
Although chives are a member of the alium family I have included these with herbs as they are a perennial. The health and nutritional benefits of aliums are many and some are: they contain anti-inflammatory chemical compounds; antioxidant properties; a natural anti-biotic and high in vitamin C, vitamin B6 and many other vitamins and minerals. Further Information:
 Garlic: (a) Don't not buy expensive bulbs for planting, simply a pink skinned variety from your supermarket. (b) Start enjoying your garlic in early spring by using the green shoots in salads. (c) Once harvested dry your bulbs in the sun to extend storage time.Leeks: (a) Use thinnings for cooking or salads.
Curcubitaceae (pH 5.5 to 7.5 - fitted into any spare bed spaces in the Rotation Cycle)
 Other Information:
Melons: (a) Keep seeds from shop bought melons for planting.
Umbelliferae ( Ph 5.5 to 7.0 - Rotation Cycle D)
Others (pH 6.0.to 7.5 - fitted into any spare bed spaces in the Rotation Cycle)
Perennial Vegetables (Grown in a permanent spot and not included in a Rotation Cycle) |
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