GETTING STARTED

KIDS are always game for something different. Imagine funny-shaped carrots, weird and wonderful coloured beetroot, blue peas and yellow beans?

When growing veggies is fun, kids are likely to be a lot more enthusiastic about eating them, especially if they can pick the veggies themselves.

That’s the thinking behind the range of RAW veggie seed that aims to entice a new generation into the garden.

“Younger gardeners want to grow something different,” explains Marlaen Straathof, who put the collection of RAW veggies together.

The search for something new has that ‘back-to-the-future’ feel of time travel because what’s new is in fact old.

Most are open-pollinated, nonGMO, heirloom varieties that were jettisoned because gardeners wanted uniform, blemish-free veggies.

Carrots that look like radishes, pink celery or yellow beetroot may seem quirky, but they are all heirloom varieties, says Marlaen.

“Many young gardeners don’t have the space for a veggie garden, or live in apartments. So, these varieties are suitable for growing in containers on a balcony or patio, or in very small spaces.” KIDS need to have their own space: a bed that receives plenty of sun and is close enough to a tap so that watering is easy.

Enlist dad’s help to prepare the soil before planting. Dig over the soil, loosening to a depth of 30cm.

Break down hard clumps, and remove sticks and stones. Add in compost, bonemeal for root growth and a long-lasting fertiliser like Vigorosa.

Rake level, water well and leave overnight before sowing the seed.

After sowing the seed, press down the soil firmly but gently with your hands to bring the seeds into contact with the soil and water well.