Try your hand at micro-farming and create a bountiful harvest of food you’ll love, in a large plot or small space
WORDS: GILLIAN HARVEY
With the cost of food on the rise, and more attention than ever on the health and environmental benefits of locally-sourced, organic produce, it’s hardly surprising that many people are channelling their inner farmer and trying a bit of “grow your own”. Whether you have a generous plot or a small courtyard, there are plenty of ways you can utilise your space to grow, cultivate and harvest some of your favourites.
If you’re keen on trying your hand at turning your outdoor space into something more functional and bountiful, it’s worth heeding expert advice to make the most of your efforts and to ensure that the experience is rewarding in more ways than one.
We spoke to experts Hugh and Fiona Osborne of English Country Life and Francine Raymond (right), author of The Garden Farmer, to find out how to put our best (welly-clad) foot forward.
Make A Start
If you’re new to the idea of growing your own, it’s worth considering what items will bring most pleasure and value.
“Look at what you spend money on,” says Fiona. “If you have limited space, try to grow things that cost you more to buy. Fruit trees, such as apple, can be a good investment – look for varieties that have longevity so the apples will store for longer.”
“Apple trees are grafted and depending on their rootstock can grow to a variety of sizes,” says Hugh. “For a small garden, choose one that will never be more than 2m (6ft 6in).” Older trees produce fruit more quickly.
“A great space saver for those with a south facing wall is to grow an espalier, which sits almost flat against the wall. There are loads of things that grow well in this way. Raspberries, blackberries, grape vines if you’re south.”
Produce Eggs And Honey
If you love the idea of fresh eggs, you might be tempted to get chickens. But before you invest, it’s important to consider what breed you might prefer and the accommodation you can provide. “Hens need as much space as you can give them,” says Francine. “They will need a secure hen-house where they can sleep close together and an outside ‘run’ for daytime.
“For lots of eggs, it’s best to invest in a hybrid layer, but these can make a mess; they need quite a bit of space and lots of food,”
