2023-04-18 22:00:00
“A real self-sufficiency garden is a lot of work.”
And that’s where the work begins, because it requires a planting plan, a lot of know-how and perseverance. “You should take care of the snails now,” recommends the expert. The seeds for zucchini, cucumbers or green beans should also begin to germinate, but in a protected space. “I’ve recently planted kale sprouts, these are great plants that grow up to a meter tall and can be harvested well into February.”
Self-sufficient people should also have planted various salads that tolerate cold and snow, such as Asian salads, and radishes or leeks. “Winter hedge onions, which you also have until winter, are also practical.” It makes sense to cooperate with the neighbors, because Asian lettuce or radishes develop far too many plants when they are sowed, which can then be shared and passed on.
Celery is sensitive to cold and should therefore not be planted out yet. Fennel, celery and various types of cabbage such as kohlrabi or early cabbage can already be found in the beds. You can already sow sprout plants such as cress or alfalfa sprouts, but not peas yet.
You can also use potatoes. Schmeikal: “I think it’s good anyway, just harvesting is archaic work.” The potential self-supporter should take his time with extremely heat-loving fruits such as courgettes, tomatoes, cucumbers or pumpkins. You should also wait for the ice saints for physalis, chili or paprika. Lettuce salads are becoming increasingly popular (also on balconies), but you have to plan for three to four fresh garnishes. Arugula is much more grateful, but so is lamb’s lettuce.
The gardener is concerned regarding the changes in the season
“In March and April we always have early spring with warm temperatures. At the end of April/beginning of May there is always a cold snap, although not necessarily with frost. But just four degrees are enough for a lot to break. It seems to me that things are changing at the moment.” And that of course means that the gardeners put out plants on the first warm days for which the time has not yet come.
Schmeikal keeps pointing out that there are some plants that need a lot of care. Tomatoes, for example, which people like to grow, but should be under a roof, need irrigation and fertilizer as well as “plucking”. “I don’t know if it’s going to pay off.” Chilies are better in this regard, while peppers are also “a lot of perennials with relatively little yield”. Hot peppers or pointed peppers are better suited. Schmeikal: “The bigger the fruit, the harder it is to look following.”
Convenience is paramount when it comes to gardening
The annoying topic of “support” is of course also one for the relevant industry and trade. Gardena’s Klaus Endres knows: “It’s already banned in parts of southern Europe.”
In his experience, automated watering in your own garden is best, because with drip irrigation, for example, 60 to 70 percent of the water consumption can be saved compared to manual watering. “When watering, a lot evaporates because you don’t know when it’s enough.” Modern drip irrigation has sensors in the ground and can therefore adjust the amount of water to the needs of the plants. “We already offer sensors that also use weather forecast data. After all, there’s no point in irrigating if it’s going to rain in two hours anyway.”
“Automatic watering is better than hand watering.”
Klaus Endres, Country Manager Gardena
Such systems are financially affordable and can be adjusted for a wide variety of requirements, sizes and needs. That even works in a big city, like Vienna. “Here, too, people want more self-sufficiency. It tastes good and you know where it comes from. And it also has something to do with relaxation and well-being,” says Endres.
However, the possibilities in the city are limited, often it is only the window sill or the balcony that can be used for herbs etc. Tomato pots can also be placed there. Speaking of the amount of work involved: Special scissors have recently made it possible to sprinkle the chopped herbs directly onto the bread. “Comfort is paramount,” says the expert. That’s why there are special collection devices for fruit that save you having to bend down, or raised beds that are designed more and more individually according to customer requirements. Starter sets also ensure suitable irrigation for urban raised beds, even if there is no water connection.
Nothing stands in the way of “self-sufficiency”, even if gardening in the city has more to do with “being a little proud” than with real food self-sufficiency. Because for that you need space and opportunities and, as Veronika Schmeikal emphasized, also persistent motivation all year round for the desire to work in the garden.
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