• Ah spring – a welcome reprieve from icy winds, short days and generally cold temperatures. Not to mention all the wonderfully tasty produce that can be harvested, like asparagus, peas, tender leafy greens, cucumbers and more.

    Wondering what you should start planting, or even just picking up from your local grocer? Here’s an extensive list of what’s in season, what to plant, and, of course, what to make.

     

    What veggies are in season this spring

    If you visit your local grocer or favourite grocery store, you should find some freshly harvested spring fruit and veg:

    • Apricots
    • Strawberries
    • Blueberries
    • Cherries
    • Gooseberries
    • Grapes
    • Kiwi
    • Papaya/papinos
    • Peaches
    • Plums
    • Rhubarb
    • Watermelons
    • Asparagus
    • Artichokes
    • Aubergines
    • Avocados
    • Baby marrows
    • Beans
    • Peas
    • Beetroot
    • Broccoli
    • Brussels sprouts
    • Cabbages
    • Celery
    • Leeks
    • Tomatoes
    • Swiss chard
    • Turnips
    • Watercress
    • Mushrooms

     

    What to plant for a spring harvest

    In preparation for a bountiful spring harvesting season, there are a few things you need to do before you can get planting:

    • Prepare vegetable beds or pots by sprinkling with fresh compost, bone meal or volcanic rock dust (depending on how nutrient-dense your soil is)
    • Till the soil to aerate it and make sprouting and rooting for your veggie saplings easier
    • Water thoroughly before planting
    • Buy companion plants to help deter pests: think marigolds, borage, chives, garlic, oregano, zinnias

    Without making the beginning of spring overwhelming, start planting a handful of veggies and herbs – following it up with another session of planting others (also known as succession planting). We suggest starting with 4 to 5 veggies, like spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, baby marrow and tomatoes, followed up with beans, carrots, onions, leeks, and peppers.

     

    5 Recipes we’re making this spring

    1. Chargrilled apricots with prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella and basil

    Chargrilled apricots with prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella and basil

     

    2. Celery, apple, kale, spinach, lime and ginger juice

    Celery, apple, kale, spinach, lime and ginger juice

     

    3. Fish with baby leeks and borlotti beans

    Fish with baby leeks and borlotti beans

     

    4. Baby marrow seed and herb no-grain bread

    Baby marrow, seed and herb no-grain bread

     

    5. Lamb chops with marmite sauce, baby potatoes and green beans

    Lamb Chops with Marmite sauce, baby potatoes and green beans

     

    Also See: Seasonal fruit and vegetable chart for South Africa

    Seasonal fruit and vegetable chart for South Africa