With summer fast approaching, now is a great time to start planting vegetables

Incorporating organic vegetables into your diet is not only healthy but the act of planting and nurturing them can be immensely satisfying. With the arrival of warmer weather and summer on the horizon, it is the perfect time to start sowing vegetable seeds.

Whether you have a balcony, a small patio or a large garden, there are many vegetables which can be grown in planters. No matter the size of your outdoor space, a variety of vegetables can thrive in planters. Calum Maddock, gardeningexpert at HomeHow.co.uk, recommends several vegetables to plant right now, reports the Express.

1. Kale

“Smaller varieties of kale can be easily grown in containers, and you can even grow one or two kale plants in a pot along with your annual flowers or perennials,” he says.

“Kale likes to germinate in cooler temperatures, so it is best planted either in early spring or autumn, and you can expect a harvest 30 to 40 days later. Grow in a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter, and use a well-draining potting mix.”

2. Potatoes

When it comes to spuds, opt for a sizable pot, no less than 15 inches deep, complete with drainage holes. March is ideal for planting if you’re after an early yield, but they can be planted throughout the growing season.

To harvest, simply invert the pot when the foliage blooms and collect the potatoes nestled within the soil.

3. Lettuce

“These plants ideally need around eight hours of sunlight every day, but make sure to put them in the shade during the hottest parts of the day if you are growing them in the summer,” said Callum.

4. Tomatoes

Although avocados are technically a fruit, their unique savoury taste lends itself to a variety of culinary creations. It’s recommended to plant them after the final frost has cleared, aiming for a harvest in the latter part of summer.

For optimal growth, position them in a warm and protected area, ensuring the soil is damp and compacted up to an inch from the top edge.

The gardening guru advised: “Cut out holes in growing bags to accommodate the plants and make slits in the base for drainage.

“Water regularly to keep the compost moist, and as soon as the tomatoes start to form, feed them regularly with a liquid tomato feed,”