LET’S DO IT A vegetable garden? What a great idea!

Instructions

Step 1: Surface area and location

We know you're bursting with ideas! But start small. The classic beginner's mistake is to think too big. If you have space, in a garden for example, limit yourself to an area of 6m2. On a balcony, depending on the space available, choose a longer planter to space out your plants. A 1m-long wooden kit should suffice. Make window sills your own, install hanging planters, and think about exposed indoor surfaces (kitchen worktops, desks, etc.).

Display! The sun will decide for you. Do the test on a normal day: the planned location should be able to benefit from six hours of sunlight. And be protected from the wind as much as possible, even if it means installing protective panels.

Step 2: It's all in the soil

It's where it all begins... and potentially ends! In the garden, there's no need to dig up absolutely everything: some simple weeding is all you need to prepare your corner. Above ground, whether in a pot, tub or window box, start with a drainage layer, with clay balls for example, then be generous with quality potting soil (adapted to your type of plant, it's better), and finish with a thin layer of compost or organic fertiliser.

Step 3: Choosing your first victims

Start with the foolproof options. There's no shame in starting off easy! There's nothing better than radishes to help you get the hang of it: you can sow them from March to August and they'll grow in just a few weeks, giving you the confidence boost you need! A class above: cherry tomatoes and salads. Easy to grow, especially if you buy them as seedlings, they have the advantage of growing quickly and continuing to produce regularly. For cherry tomatoes, use a pot at least 30cm in diameter, and opt for stocky plants rather than tall ones.

Don't forget about herbs either! They are virtually indestructible (that's not a challenge!), require no expertise and can even be bought as seeds. Basil, mint, chives, thyme, sage, parsley - just the thing to liven up your dishes and cocktail parties!

Step 4: The art of watering

Ah, watering... too much water? Not enough? Water too wet? One of mankind's great mysteries... As a general rule, it's better to under-water than over-water, especially if you're growing in a pot or window box and there are no holes in them to allow proper drainage. At the height of summer, three waterings a week for outdoor tomatoes, two for radishes and lettuces. And don't get the leaves wet, as this encourages the development of disease! Spraying only serves to dust them off. 

As far as aromatic plants are concerned, they generally prefer dry but cool soil. If in doubt, stick your finger a few centimetres into the soil to gauge its degree of moisture and don't be fooled by a dry surface!

In any case, don't panic, don't give up and learn from your mistakes. Keep a record of your victories and defeats, and don't hesitate to ask a horticulturist near you for advice. It's by cooking that you become a cook... you get the idea!