Grow fennel in your kitchen garden—it's that simple!
What's the story
Growing fennel in your compact urban kitchen garden can be a fulfilling endeavor, especially if you're a food lover who enjoys incorporating fresh, fragrant herbs into your culinary creations. This article offers handy advice on successfully cultivating fennel even in the smallest of spaces. Feathery, fragrant, and full of flavor, fennel can be a true star in your kitchen garden.
Variety
Choosing the right variety
There are two primary types of fennel: the bulb variety, cultivated for its crunchy base, and the herb variety, utilized for its leaves and seeds. The herb variety is a better fit for small kitchen gardens as it demands less space and is well-suited to container/pot cultivation. Choosing the correct variety guarantees that you utilize your limited gardening space to its fullest potential.
Preparation
Preparing your planting space
Fennel likes well-drained soil and a sunny spot. If you're in a city with limited garden space, use pots or containers with drainage holes. Fill them with a blend of potting soil and compost for a nutrient-rich environment. Taking the time to prepare the soil properly will result in healthier growth and higher yields.
Sowing
Sowing seeds directly
To ensure optimal growth, plant fennel seeds directly into your prepared pots or garden beds in early spring. Sow seeds about one-fourth inch deep and water gently. Fennel doesn't like to be moved because of its long taproot, so it's important to start seeds where they will grow. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart when they reach two inches tall.
Watering
Watering and feeding your fennel plants
Fennel needs steady moisture but hates waterlogged roots. Make sure to water them regularly, allowing the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Every four weeks during the growing season, feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage strong growth. Proper watering and feeding will help establish strong roots and vibrant foliage in your fennel plants.
Harvesting
Harvesting your aromatic fennel leaves
Once the fennel plant is established and has several sets of true leaves, you can begin harvesting the leaves. Simply snip off the feathery foliage as needed for cooking. This will actually promote bushier growth. Just make sure not to harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time, so you don't stress the plant too much.