Vegetable Coconut Stew

Zucchini

• Plant zucchini in full sun after the last frost, ensuring ample space as they are vigorous growers.
• Provide consistent watering, especially once fruits start to form, to prevent cracking.
• For smaller spaces, consider bush varieties or grow in large containers (at least 15-gallon) with a sturdy support.

Kale

• Kale thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, rich soil.
• Sow seeds directly in the garden in spring or late summer for a fall/winter crop, as it tolerates light frosts.
• Water regularly to keep soil moist and prevent leaves from becoming bitter.

Carrot

• Sow carrot seeds directly into finely tilled, stone-free soil in full sun, as they dislike transplanting.
• Thin seedlings to 2-4 inches apart once they are a few inches tall to allow roots to develop properly.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during germination and root development.

Garlic

• Plant garlic cloves pointed-end up about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in well-drained, sunny soil in the fall.
• Water regularly during active growth in spring, but reduce watering as the leaves begin to yellow in early summer.
• Mulch heavily with straw or leaves after planting to protect from winter cold and suppress weeds.

• Use row covers over young kale and zucchini plants to protect them from cabbage worms and squash vine borers.

• Practice crop rotation and avoid planting carrots in the same spot year after year to deter carrot rust flies.

• Hand-pick any visible slugs or snails from kale leaves, especially after rain, or set beer traps.

• Plant chives or onions near garlic to confuse allium leaf miners and other pests with their strong scent.

Zucchini

• Harvest zucchini when they are 6-8 inches long for best flavour and tenderness; larger fruits can become seedy.
• Check plants daily once they start producing, as zucchini grow very quickly, cutting the stem with a sharp knife.

Kale

• Begin harvesting outer kale leaves when they are about the size of your hand, allowing smaller inner leaves to continue growing.
• Use a cut-and-come-again method, snapping or cutting leaves close to the main stem, leaving the central bud intact.

Carrot

• Harvest carrots when their shoulders are visible above the soil line and they reach a desirable size, typically 6-8 inches.
• Gently loosen the soil around the carrot before pulling to avoid breaking the root.

Garlic

• Harvest garlic when the lower third to half of the leaves have turned yellow and started to dry, typically in mid-summer.
• Gently loosen the soil with a fork and carefully pull the bulbs, avoiding bruising, then cure them in a dry, airy place.