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beginners fruits and veg

hi there, 

I'm new to gardening. I've grown the odd tomato plant and some strawberries and that's it.

last week I decided to start growing again. so far I've planted some baby carrots, sweet pea tomatoes and a basket of fire mini chilis. I thought I'd try something different from the regular fruits and vegetables. 

does anyone have any tips on making these plants grow beautifully that will produce lots? and also anything else I can grow at home that's not too difficult with needing lots of equipment? as I'm on a low budget and don't have much garden space without digging everything out which will create less play space for my children.

anything I can grow on the patio or on window sills?

 

Posts

  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698

    You could try growing french beans in large pots. Potatoes can be grown in deep containers or sacks.

    You can grow lettuce in large margarine tubs, approx six plants per tub. You can cut the leaves whilst they are young and the tub will keep cropping for a couple of weeks or more. Keep planting up more tubs of lettuce to ensure a continuous supply of salad leaves.

     

     

  • Definitely getting a good quality plant food I would say is vital as is making sure you water nicely... Tomato food is good generally (or if you have comfrey and nettles you can make your own fertilising tea!).    

    What about growing radishes in containers?  I'm trying that this year with my little girl and so far so good!  I believe you can grow courgettes in containers too!  Though I haven't actually tried this one yet... They're awesome plants and children love watching them grow image

  • some good ideas thanks. been wanting to grow potatoes for a while but need to buy some large tubs or sacks. unfortunately no one in this house likes radishes so growing those would be a waste. i have just purchased some pea seeds though so I'm going to try those.

  • Mel MMel M Posts: 347

    Your peas will need support, either canes to be tied to or netting for them to grip on to. Potatoes can be successfully grown in old compost bags so long as you make a few holes in the bottom for excess water to escape. 3 potato tubers per bag. Dwarf French Beans and dwarf Runner Beans can be grown in decent sized containers, as can baby carrots. Don't forget herbs. They are easy to grow and do not need much looking after once established and most will crop year after year.

  • Aster2Aster2 Posts: 629

    Ask your children what they'd like to grow and eat. image

  • Steve 309Steve 309 Posts: 2,753

    I'd say just one potato plant to a bag, or you'll get tiny tubers.   You can't beat the taste of freshly harvested spuds - or carrots, either.  Soft fruit is rewarding, if you can keep the birds off it; strawbs will grow well in containers.

    Growing what you like is always the first consideration.

  • Sophie17Sophie17 Posts: 342
    I grow courgettes ad runner beans in pots and have had very successful harvests every year thankfully
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