Why I’m growing my own veggies

Just a few weeks ago I converted the old sand pit that the previous occupants of my house had left behind, to a vegetable patch. Well, when I say converted, I mean mixed some topsoil into the sand. I also re-purposed an old archway they’d left behind into a climbing frame for some green beans.

I put in loads of different seeds to see what would work, and basically forgot about them – until yesterday I saw 28 fully grown beans climbing up the arch! The basil is also working well, but it looks like the spinach I planted has been a bit too much of a hit with the slugs.

I’d love to become completely self-sufficient, even if just for vegetables – hopefully with a bit more experimentation I’ll be able to plant more of what works and abandon planting seeds that have no chance in my garden.

Vegetables are surprisingly expensive to buy – and there’s no choice. There are perhaps three varieties of tomatoes, one type of zucchini, two spinach varieties – whereas in the real world there are hundreds of varieties. Take the beans as an example, they’re currently about $5 a kilo at my local supermarket (non-organic). I bought the entire packet of seeds for $1.50 and it looks like I’m going to get quite a big crop.

I also love the idea of being able to pick my dinner off the vine/ plant immediately before cooking it. You really can’t get any fresher than that! Of course, I can also guarantee that my veg hasn’t been sprayed with nasty chemicals, so that’s another huge win. And what can be more satisfying than eating the rewards of your labour!

I’m hoping that since temperatures never really get down to a frost here, I’ll be able to grow something all year round. But failing that hopefully with the aid of my dehydrator, some pickling recipes and my freezer, I should be able to wean off buying my veggies from the supermarket.

Whilst I have got a garden, I’m hardly using any space for my veg – if you’ve just got a balcony, or can squeeze in a window box, you’d be amazed what you can grow – give it a try!

Getting the Most Out of a Small Garden

If you’re working with limited space, don’t be discouraged. In fact, some of the most productive gardens come from small, well-managed plots or containers. Vertical gardening is a game-changer — climbing frames, trellises, and even hanging baskets can help maximise growing space and improve airflow around plants. For things like tomatoes, cucumbers, peas and of course, beans, growing upwards rather than outwards means a bigger harvest from less ground.

Raised beds are another great option, particularly if your garden has poor soil. They allow for better drainage and give you full control over what goes into the soil. A mix of compost, aged manure and topsoil can create a nutrient-dense base that supports a wide range of crops. Raised beds also make it easier to access your veggies without bending or kneeling, which is a bonus if you're out there every day weeding or harvesting.

Planning for Year-Round Produce

Here in Australia, the relatively mild winters mean that year-round growing is more than possible in many regions. Even in cooler areas, with a bit of protection like cold frames, row covers, or greenhouse tunnels, you can continue to harvest fresh food right through the colder months.

Try planting cool-weather crops like kale, silverbeet, beetroot, carrots, broccoli, and radishes as your summer crops begin to fade. You can stagger your plantings to ensure a constant supply and make use of microclimates in your garden — sunny walls, sheltered corners or areas with slightly warmer soil. Keeping a simple planting diary can help you track what grows well and when, making next year’s garden even more successful.

Companion Planting for Natural Pest Control

One of the most effective ways to grow food without relying on chemicals is by planting strategically. Companion planting pairs crops that help each other thrive. For example, basil can improve the flavour of tomatoes while deterring pests. Marigolds planted near beans or zucchinis can help ward off aphids and whiteflies. Nasturtiums are excellent decoys, drawing pests away from your main crops.

Incorporating herbs throughout your vegetable beds not only boosts biodiversity but helps mask the scent of your crops from unwanted visitors. You’ll find fewer pests and a more resilient garden overall — and of course, having fresh herbs at your fingertips is a culinary bonus.

Making Use of Every Harvest

When your garden starts to flourish, you may find yourself with more produce than you can eat fresh. That’s where preserving methods like fermenting, freezing and drying come in handy. With a dehydrator, you can turn tomato gluts into sun-dried tomatoes, or kale into crunchy chips. Herbs can be dried and stored in jars to use all year round. Fermenting is another easy option — think homemade sauerkraut, kimchi or pickled cucumbers using basic brine and spices.

Freezing is ideal for things like spinach, green beans, chopped zucchini and cooked tomato sauces. Just be sure to blanch vegetables first to lock in colour, flavour and nutrients. Label everything clearly and rotate your freezer stock so nothing goes to waste.

Seed Saving and Swapping

Once you’ve had success with a few crops, you might consider saving seeds from your best plants. This not only saves money but encourages plants that are naturally adapted to your soil and climate. Start with easy ones like beans, peas, tomatoes and chillies — just be sure to dry the seeds thoroughly and store them in a cool, dark place.

Joining a local seed swap or gardening group can also be a great way to expand your collection without buying expensive seed packets. Many communities run informal exchanges or even host seasonal meetups where people trade seedlings, cuttings and gardening tips.

Creating a Low-Maintenance System

Gardening doesn’t have to be time-consuming if you set up systems that work for you. Mulching around plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and improve soil quality as it breaks down. Using a drip irrigation system or even recycled grey water can reduce watering time and keep your crops happy during dry spells.

Regular feeding with compost tea or seaweed solution helps boost plant health naturally. And if you keep compost bins or worm farms, you’ll always have access to nutrient-rich organic matter to top up your beds — no store-bought fertiliser required.

The Satisfaction of Growing Your Own

There’s something truly rewarding about eating a meal where every vegetable came from your own backyard. It’s not just the taste — which is almost always better than store-bought — but the satisfaction of knowing you planted the seed, nurtured it, and harvested it yourself. Gardening connects you with the food you eat in a way that buying from the supermarket simply can’t match.

Even failures are part of the learning process. You’ll discover which crops do well in your microclimate, which pests to watch for, and what soil amendments your patch might need. Over time, you’ll refine your approach, and your garden will become more productive, more resilient, and more tailored to your needs.

Start Small, Grow Big

If you’ve been thinking about starting a veggie patch but haven’t yet taken the plunge, there’s no better time to get started. You don’t need acres of space — even a few pots on a balcony can yield fresh herbs, salad greens, or cherry tomatoes. The key is to begin with a few easy crops, build confidence, and expand from there. You’ll be amazed at what a small plot of soil and a little sunlight can provide.

I’d love to hear if you grow your own veggies, and what you’ve had most success with! Any tips would be gratefully received!