Growing Your Own Fruit and Veg
Other
Does anyone grow their own fruit and veg? I don’t, but I have met a few people recently who have told me about their allotments and the abundance of wonky produce they’re growing
I’m thinking that I may start with something small, like chillies, as they seem easy to grow
Any tips?
I'm no expert but it's far from easy to have it grow. You need to make sure to give it enough water every now and then, remove seeds that may be taking the life out of the fruit/veg you're growing and the dirt (ground) is soft and suitable. Plus, then there's the whole which fruits and vegs you can grow per season.
It requires patience, sweat, strength, time and money in order to make it work. Part of my family have farms so I got used to it and help them when I have to but do it myself? Not unless I'd really have to. The sun makes me feel like I'm in a sauna and so it's really hard to work under those conditions but sometimes you just have to.
Lol that’s why I’m starting with something like chillies, as they’re quite simple and hardy. My mum used to grow strawberries in our garden, but we’d only get perhaps a couple of portions for the family out of it each season, so the labour wasn’t worth it. I’m definitely not keen on growing too much in London - the environment isn’t the best, I’d imagine
My advice- start with herbs I used to grow lots of veggies and fruits, including tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, strawberries, sweet cherries, peaches, etc. Right now in London even my cactuses are dying Try to start with something simple (herbs!). Lime thyme and oregano. Mint is great as well. They don't need much attention and they can really make your day
The countryside parts in London, like at Watford, Harrow and nearby those areas are great because they're not overly populated and you can grow your fruits and veggies. It could be worth buying a bit of land there but probably costs a pretty penny cause it's in London.
There are countries which sell (deserted) land for the size of a stadium for less than a thousand.
I am not a green fingered person and cress is as far as I go Couple of days and you can see the fruit of your labour But I do like the idea of having your own fruit and veg.
First up you need a high temperature to germinate the chilli seeds (same as peppers). I grew them last year and I found it hard to get them to turn red despite a south facing garden. They like a potash feed. Most stayed green but were still edible. Potatoes are easy to grow (put 3 seeds potatoes in a grow sack or pot, not one). Tomatoes I've done so many time now. Lettuce is easy. I've got a herb garden. I've got 3 pumpkins on the go right now. You have to be prepared to give up about 1 hour a day to water, feed and tend to your plants. Peppers last year kept rotting on the plants. Drove me nuts. A water butt would be recommended as plants like rain water over tap water. I tend to use standard compost 3 for £10 from Asda and I have 2 composters. It takes time and love. Home tester club should of given me all the free garden stuff to try as I really would have used it!
My parents grow loads! They grow tomatoes, cucumbers, plums, pears, they used to grow potatoes and strawberries as well. Mum uses the plums for cutney, she makes lots of soup with her veg and she used to make jam with the strawberries (she still makes jam but she buys the fruit now). I grew up helping her with all her fruit and veg. I don't grow any myself as I don't have a big enough garden and my dog would probably just destory them anyway.
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