Freshen up your home with our handy tips and tricks for the new season
Feature Poppy Benner Photos Getty Images
HOW TO... Plan your own veg patch
There are so many benefits of looking after a veggie garden, from saving money on the weekly shop to improving your diet and keeping you healthy in body and mind. If you want to grow your own but aren’t sure where to start, check out our top tips…
• Find a space for growing. Whether it’s a balcony, a small garden, or a much larger outdoor space, measure the area you have to work with. You might be surprised by how little room you actually need – if your plot is on the small side or you’re restricted to a balcony, you can still grow veg in pots, raised beds and wall-hung planters.
• If you don’t have a garden, consider renting. To find out where your nearest council-managed allotment is, visit gov.uk and apply for a plot – but be warned, waiting lists can be long. Another option is allotme.co.uk which links up those who have spare outdoor space with those looking for some. From back gardens to community allotments, there may be a plot just around the corner!
• Pick a good location for your patch – most veggies love lots of sun, so you’ll want a nice bright spot that also gets shelter from the elements, as heavy wind and rain can cause plenty of damage. Level ground or a gentle slope is best, with access to a tap or a water butt if possible.
• Prepare your patch by clearing the plot of debris, cutting down unwanted shrubs or brambles, then thoroughly weeding before raking over the soil to break it up. To create a rich, loamy soil, add some organic matter like well-rotted composted leaves into the top 10 or 12 inches of existing soil, and install a compost bin nearby so you can add to it regularly.
• Think carefully about what you want to grow. For beginners, some of the easiest veggies to grow include lettuce, radish, pe
