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GROW YOUR OWN CONT .
What to grow
Potatoes are the go-to when it comes to starting your own veg plot ( an obvious choice as the nation ' s favourite vegetable ) and the most exciting part ? There are a huge number of potato varieties that you can have a stab at growing – some of which you may have never seen before . Not only are they a firm favourite , they are also easy to grow and just one seed will produce an abundance of potatoes .
A less common vegetable but equally as delicious , beetroot is super quick at growing . Sow directly into shallow drills in the soil and , in as little as two weeks , you ’ ll have a crop ready to harvest making it the perfect choice for those starting out . Other winners , and must-have additions to the salad bowl , include salad leaves like rocket which , once established , will be available on a cut-and-come basis , and tomatoes which believe it or not grow almost anywhere and look great in hanging baskets if you ’ re stuck for room .
Another easy grower , and great for crumbles is rhubarb . Surprisingly a vegetable , rhubarb will produce some of the earliest fruits in the year and will continue to come back with masses of stalks . By forcing it in late winter , you can be enjoying your own delicious desserts as early as March . Now to the fruits … If you ' re a lover of berries and cream then strawberries really are a nobrainer ! Strawberries are low-maintenance and grow very easily . Growing them in a raised bed , or container will go in your favour when it comes to picking them , and it ’ s also a better option if you have heavy , clay soil . Other than that , strawberries will grow pretty much anywhere , but be aware that the birds are partial to a berry or two , so ensure to keep them covered to avoid disappointment .
Fruit trees
Planting fruit trees and bushes in the right spot will give you a plethora of fruit for many years to come . The main influence on the productivity of those trees however will depend on where and when you plant them . Be conscious of the main factors that will have the biggest effect on your tree ; those being light and temperature . Sunny , south-facing spots will be ideal for growing apricots , figs , peaches and grapes , whereas courtyards , or gardens with lots of shady spots will suit cherries , gooseberries and redcurrants . Apples however are probably the easiest place to start and the most popular among gardeners . Preferably plant in a sunny , sheltered area where there is good drainage . What ’ s more , there are thousands of different varieties of apple to choose from , so make sure to do your research .
HERB GARDEN TIPS
Herbs are a beginner gardener ’ s dream as they are one of the easiest things to grow and will grow almost anywhere
Start with your dependable , everyday cooking herbs like basil , coriander , sage and mint and see how you get on .
Begin with your seed or plug plant and fill a pot with a mix of compost and good quality soil , plant securely , for seeds push roughly 1cm below the surface . Place a few stones or gravel at the bottom of the pot for drainage .
Water thoroughly and place in a spot that gets good light and where the temperature doesn ’ t drop too low – greenhouses or window ledges are great .
All herbs need a similar treatment ; don ’ t by any means drench them . Moderate regular watering should be more than sufficient – but you should quickly come to know when they need a drink .
When your herbs are ready to harvest , pick the leaves in the morning and take a range of smaller and larger leaves .
Your plants ( if well cared for ) should last for a good few months , and you could even encourage new plants by taking your own cuttings .
Give it a go and ramp up your dishes !
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