Nothing compares to the taste or thrill of producing homegrown crops. Here’s all you need to know to get going from scratch
That feeling of basking in the sun while you go to pick some ripe tomatoes you’ve grown yourself is priceless. Gardening your own fruits and vegetables is like hitting the jackpot of satisfaction – you upgrade your diet, it boosts your health and general wellbeing and in the long run you’ll probably save money, too.
When it comes to setting up a veg patch, location is key. You want a sunny spot with decent soil; raised beds are the superhero solution if your plot sits wet over winter or is more rubble than soil.
If space is an issue but you’re serious about growing your own, why not try using an allotment? Start with a smaller plot if you’re new to veggie-growing, such as a half or quarter size. Remember to consider how easy it will be to get there; you’ll to need to visit at least twice a week in the growing season, making demands on both your time and energy, so be sure you can fully commit. But you can’t beat the camaraderie of an allotment. Other plot holders will be a treasure trove of wisdom and they'll gladly spill the beans on all things ‘grow your own’.
So, what to grow? Well, before you go crazy planting everything under the sun, take time to think about what you really love to eat. There’s no point growing a jungle of crops you don’t like that much and then wishing you’d planted more potatoes or strawberries instead! Some crops are easier to grow than others, so read on for our pick of good ones to start with (and some to avoid too)!
EASY FRUIT AND VEG…
■ SALADS (lettuce, rocket, mizuna)
■ COURGETTES
■ STRAWBERRIES
■ SQUASHES AND PUMPKINS
■ RASPBERRIES
■ HERBS AND EDIBLE FLOWERS They’ll make it look and taste all the better. Pot marigolds, dill, parsley, borage and chives all make pretty, easy and delicious additions to your new veg patch.
…AND THE ONES THAT ARE TOUGHER TO GROW
■ FLORENCE FENNEL Regular tending needed to get good-sized bulbs.
■ AUBERGINES Need warm weather and dry, sunny summers.
■ CAULIFLOWER Takes too much space and doesn’t store well.
■ CELERY AND CELERIAC Fussy, thirsty and need plenty of space.
■ SWEET PEPPERS Demand a great deal of TLC.
