Not every garden is a gentle, predictable paradise, is it? Some face scorching sun, others get nippy frosts, and some are just plain awkward. So, we need veg that can handle a bit of a challenge. This isn't about pampered prize-winners; it's about reliable, tasty crops that won't give up the ghost at the first sign of trouble.
I'll walk you through what to consider and then dive into the best choices, step-by-step.
Understanding Your "Unique" Climate
Before we get our hands dirty, it's crucial to be honest about what your garden's really like. Don't just assume it's "sunny" or "temperate." Get specific.
Hardiness Zones: This is a good starting point. Hardiness zones tell you the average minimum winter temperature in your area. A quick online search for your location will give you this information.
Microclimates: Even within a garden, you can have microclimates. A sheltered spot against a south-facing wall will be warmer than an exposed area in the north.
Sun Exposure: How many hours of direct sunlight does your garden get each day, particularly during the growing season?
Soil Type: Is it sandy, clay, loamy, or something in between? Does it drain well, or does it stay soggy?
Rainfall: How much rain do you get on average? Are you prone to droughts or floods?
First and Last Frost Dates: Knowing when the risk of frost is over in spring and when it's likely to arrive in autumn is vital for planning your planting schedule.
Once you've got a handle on your garden's particular quirks, you can start choosing the right veg.
Top 10 Veggies for a "Unique" Climate (With a How-To Twist)
Right, let's get down to business. I've tried to keep this general enough that it'll work for a range of "unique" climates, but bear in mind you might need to adapt it slightly based on your specific circumstances.
1. Spinach: This leafy green is surprisingly tough. It's ideal for fall growing, and is one of the most cold-resistant vegetables. Spinach can tolerate temperatures down to -6°C.
How-To: Sow seeds directly into the ground in early spring or late summer. Keep the soil moist, and harvest the leaves as soon as they're big enough to eat. Successive sowings every few weeks will give you a continuous supply.
2. Radishes: If you need a quick win, radishes are your friend. They're one of the fastest vegetables for cold-weather gardens, and can reach a harvestable size in three to five weeks. Radish seeds will germinate between 4-29°C and plants can tolerate up to -4°C for short periods.
How-To: Sow seeds directly into the ground in a sunny spot. Keep the soil moist, and thin the seedlings to give them space to grow. They don't like hot weather, so plant them in spring or autumn.
3. Lettuce: Another cut-and-come-again crop that's relatively easy to grow. Germination can occur at temperatures as low as 2-4°C, making it suitable to grow outdoors in early spring or mid-fall.
How-To: Sow seeds directly into the ground or start them indoors. Transplant seedlings into a sunny spot, and keep the soil moist. Harvest the leaves regularly to encourage more growth.
4. Kale: Whether you enjoy it cooked, raw, or in smoothies, kale is an easy-to-grow crop that tolerates cold temperatures.
How-To: Start seedlings indoors and transplant them into the garden four weeks before frost occurs. Start harvesting the leaves when the plants reach 20 cm in height.
5. Onions: Most varieties of onions tolerate temperatures down to -7°C and are one of the best vegetables for cold weather gardening.
How-To: When starting with seeds, it can take up to 175 days for onions to produce sizable bulbs. For a faster turnaround time, plant onion sets and harvest as green onions.
6. Okra: Also known as lady's finger, is a hot-weather vegetable that grows best in hot and dry conditions.
How-To: Plant in rich, well-drained soil with a pH of around 6.5 to 8. Water in the morning3. Okra is ready to harvest 45-50 days after planting.
7. Sweet Potatoes: These thrive in hot weather and are fairly drought-tolerant. Plus, they store well, so you can enjoy them throughout the winter.
How-To: Plant slips (sprouts from a sweet potato) in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Water regularly until they're established, then reduce watering as they mature. Harvest before the first frost.
8. Summer Squash: This crop requires well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 6-6.8.
How-To: Sow seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors when the soil temperature reaches 15°C.
9. Ethiopian or Kenyan Cabbage: These ancient cabbages from North and Central Africa are a different breed and happily grow through the hottest, wettest, and humid summers.
How-To: Plant in deep well-worked, highly fertile moist soils and regular applications of fertilizer. They quickly grow into large leafy rosettes, which are very attractive in the summer garden.
10. Walking Stick Kale: This unique perennial vegetable grows tall and provides a continual harvest of nutritious leaves.
How-To: They are hardy and can thrive in various conditions, making them an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a reliable perennial green.
General Tips for Success
No matter what your climate, here are a few extra pointers to help you along the way:
Improve Your Soil: As mentioned earlier, healthy soil is the key to healthy plants. Amend your soil with compost, manure, or other organic matter to improve its structure and fertility.
Water Wisely: Water deeply and less often, rather than shallowly and frequently. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil. Water in the morning to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Protect from Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and take action promptly to prevent them from spreading. Use organic methods whenever possible.
Extend the Growing Season: If you live in a cold climate, consider using cloches, row covers, or a greenhouse to extend your growing season.
Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Gardening is all about learning and experimenting. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you.
Right, that should give you a good starting point. Remember, gardening is a journey, not a destination. There will be successes and failures along the way, but that's all part of the fun. So get out there, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the process of growing your own delicious and nutritious vegetables.
Questions after the interview:
At the end of an interview there is usually an opportunity where you can ask any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position as well as the company. It is a good idea to prepare a few questions before the interview – this can be done while you are doing research on the company.
Your questions should show the interviewer that you are a good candidate for the position. Try and avoid questions that are based on your personal needs and preferences, for instance:
- How much leave will I get in a year?
- Will I be considered for promotion in my first year?
- When will I get an increase?
- What time can I leave in the afternoon?
These questions are inappropriate at this stage and will probably raise concerns on the side of the interviewer. Should you be the successful candidate then all these questions will be answered in your letter of appointment so don’t waste this opportunity by asking these basic questions.
If the position is an entry level job or very junior then you are welcome to ask questions in line with the position, for instance:
- Why did the previous person leave the position?
- What would the successful person be tasked to do in a typical day?
- How does this position fit into the department and / or company?
- Could you explain the company structure to me?
- Is there any further education assistance or support?
If the position is more senior then you can prepare question around the following themes:
- current issues that will face the successful candidate;
- inter-personal challenges in the department;
- any process, technology or people challenges that needs to be attended to urgently;
- key result areas that need urgent attention in the first few months;
The above information should get you started. Prepare a few questions so that you can show your worth. Good luck with your interview!
