Fruit and Veg

Working in the kitchen garden

There are lots of vegetables, herbs and varieties of fruit that are easy to grow. Fruit will ripen best in a sunny, sheltered spot. Apricots, peaches and nectarines prefer it warm and sunny. Some fruit trees and fruit bushes give better results if cross-pollinated so it’ best to plant several plants of the same variety next to one another. However, our ‘dual-fruit’ bushes will pollinate each other while growing on the one plant so this isn't necessary.
Vegetables and herbs need sufficient space to grow. Designate a separate area in your garden to set up a little kitchen garden. Some vegetables and herbs (like paprika) can be grown in large pots and planters, making them ideal for growing in a small garden, or on the patio. Herbs like parsley and basil will also do well in the border. Plant them in groups or in rows, in growbags or raised beds. Rotate your crops every year so the soil’s nutrients are used in the best way. By doing this it also prevents pest and diseases.

Planting fruit bushes and fruit trees

Fruit trees are best planted in spring or autumn. Prior to planting, soak the roots in a bucket of water. Dig a wide enough hole and thoroughly loosen the soil with a fork. Improve poor soil with the addition of some well-rotted manure or compost. Plant the tree at the correct depth – the grafting point (that thickness on the stem, just above the roots) should be just above soil level. Half fill the hole with more soil and water generously. Check that you have planted the tree properly then fill the hole with more soil. Heel well in and water again.

Sowing vegetable and herb seed

Sow vegetable and fresh herbs in spring. The most widely used cultivation method for vegetables is growing them in rows – usually (two or more) rows of the same vegetables together. Makes it much easier for maintenance. If you use this method, the art is to spread your vegetable seeds evenly. Very small seed is best mixed in with fine, dry sand and sown evenly along a row.
Bakker also sells lettuce, beetroot, radish and early carrots in seed tape form. Once your seed is sown, you need to give them enough water and nutrition to encourage the plants to grow well and be strong plants. Regular weeding is also recommended.

Pruning and general care

To enjoy your home-grown vegetables, fruit and herbs, we advise that you give them regular plant nutrition. In addition, regular pruning of herbs and fruit bushes is also advised. Apple trees need to be pruned in winter (Dec-Mar) – thin the crown out and remove vertical and crossing branches entirely. In a young tree, the branches can be bent downwards so that you get more fruit and a nice wide crown.
Cut back all withered stems and foliage on strawberries and raspberries after all the fruit has been picked. Mint has a habit of growing wild so it is best planted in a pot and the pot planted into the soil. However, if you use it regularly in the kitchen when cooking, this will not be necessary.
For more tips on planting and caring for fruit and vegetables, check our gardening advice pages online.