Living in a flat, would love to grow something edible

SoScrooge

After reading ‘grow your own’ posts for a couple of weeks, I feel an urge to grow something edible.

But there is a problem – we live in a flat and have got no garden.:rolleyes:

So far, I have collected a few plastic bottles and jars and am going to cut them into pots. I now know that Lidl sell seeds for 29p.

What would be the best thing (or two, or three) to grow on a window seal?

And where can I get cheapest compost, please?

Thank you very much.

SS

Beanietdc

I live in a flat too. So far I have grown tomatoes (bush varietys are better because plants don't get so big!). Stick them on a window sill and keep them watered and they will be very happy!

halloweenqueen_2

Sprouting seeds and cress, herbs - you can get some nice herb containers (maybe as a prezzie!!). Peppers, they are nice compact plants if you just look on the packets to see how big they grow. Mushrooms, they have a mushroom kit and some other kits on offer at the moment in woolworths.

Pooky

Grab a grow bag - they work out cheap for compost.

SoScrooge

Thank you so much for your advice. I will pop in to Woolworth next week.

Tomatoes and herbs sound very nice. I will give peppers a go too.

Mushrooms kit... sounds very tempting. Will definitely have a look at it.

PS: what happened to thank you button?:rolleyes:

halloweenqueen_2

Glad to have helped!!We are giving mushrooms a go - first time! We use a lot of them and thought it would be nice to have fresh picked ones! I remember going mushroom picking with my mum near an old meadow with woods round it. i couldn't do it now as I wouldn't dare eat them as i can't remember whats good or bad!!

SoScrooge

I love mushroom picking. I grew up in Russia where mushroom picking is almost a national sport.

I once went rock climbing to the Peak District in August. Managed to pick a carrier bag full of mushrooms, mainly Slippery Jacks (I think that is what they are called in England) in the nearby forest.

But yes, you do need to know your mushrooms. I just remember what is what from my early days, plus I can tell good mushrooms by smell and taste.

I might check if there are any books on mushrooms in the library on Monday.

Thanks for bringing it up halloweenqueen.:D

RacyRed

Window sill salads are great, grow 2 or 3 types in a couple of trays and sow a few seeds at regular intervals.

Small varieties are obviously best, (lambs lettice, Rocket etc) or the type where you can take a few leaves at a time and the plants keep growing.

halloweenqueen_2

it was a lovely wander down memory lane, i don't live near there any more so not sure if its even built on now.

littlejaffa

have you tried growing seeds from seeds? things like alfafa/beansprouts etc, just stick them in a jar of water for a few days, turn when you need to and a few days later you have edibles, (http://www.backyardnature.net/simple/alf-spr.htm makes it a bit clearer!) great for flats as you can 'tidy' them away if you have guest etc and not a big pot of soil taking up your window sill. Edible flowers are also good, nasturtiums etc

wigginsmum

Tomatoes would be my choice, and the cut-and-come-again salad bowls. Herbs will flourish, specially basil - they always did in my flat. You might find it a bit warm inside for mushrooms. If you have a balcony at all, a couple of minarette (column) fruit trees might be an option - they don't take up much space.

I've just bought some spores for Lion's Mane mushrooms - just need to drill some holes in logs for the plugs.