New to gardening!

gememily

Hi everyone!

Well I have never been into gardening before but last week I looked out of the window onto my garden and was inspired to tidy it up as it was a complete mess! (Still got a long way to go)

So I have made myself a raised bed from some decking boards and have filled it with a mix of soil, compost and some added fertiliser.

Basically I would love to have a go at growing some veg but have absolutely no idea where to start! Am I too late?

I have done a bit of research but can't seem to figure out what I should try first. I like nearly all vegetables. Any ideas guys?

My raised bed is about 8 ft by 3ft.

(I am in Sheffield - I know that your location affects when to start growing things!)

Thanks in advance x

mrbadexample

Well, you're definitely not too late. Carrots are usually fairly easy, as are runner beans. For the raised bed, I'd certainly consider beetroot. Think about what you like that's expensive. Grow that.

gememily

Thanks for that! I will be on the look out for some seeds!

I am so excited about the prospect of growing and eating my own veg!:j

daz501

I'm transforming my garden. I've dug out some beds along the borders, created a compost area with chicken wire, and started to prepare council recycling bags for growing potatoes.

I have some tomatoe seeds in progators on my window sill, and am going to make a grow area on my south facing wall/shed panels.

You could get some clear plastic acrylic or polythene and produce a makeshift greenhouse.

Be sure to get cat repellent, slug repellent, and string/wire/mesh to see off the birds. Planting vegetables in the ground also need less attention that container grown ones.

I've maintained a mild interest in vegetable gardening for some time, but am finally taking serious action!

The exercise is brilliant too, and combined with running, I feel fit, healthy, positive, and ready to save some money on veg. It isn't exactly cheap is it?

daz501

gememily wrote: »

Hi everyone!

Basically I would love to have a go at growing some veg but have absolutely no idea where to start! Am I too late?

Potatoes, tomatoes, runner beans

K8eP

daz501 wrote: »

I'm transforming my garden. I've dug out some beds along the borders, created a compost area with chicken wire, and started to prepare council recycling bags for growing potatoes.

I have some tomatoe seeds in progators on my window sill, and am going to make a grow area on my south facing wall/shed panels.

You could get some clear plastic acrylic or polythene and produce a makeshift greenhouse.

Be sure to get cat repellent, slug repellent, and string/wire/mesh to see off the birds. Planting vegetables in the ground also need less attention that container grown ones.

I've maintained a mild interest in vegetable gardening for some time, but am finally taking serious action!

The exercise is brilliant too, and combined with running, I feel fit, healthy, positive, and ready to save some money on veg. It isn't exactly cheap is it?

I know something easy to grow that DEFINATELY saves money, and makes you feel good about yourself... Mixed lettuce seeds! you get hundreds in a packet! Means you don't have to buy those annoying bags with the 'use by' date of mixed lettuce leaves at £1 each...

And the lettuce reproduces a lot like how a dandelion does... it has those little white fluffy things that float with the seed attached... when they come up, just save it... and you got next years crop sorted! But I imagine you won't have used up the original packet anyway!

daz501

K8eP wrote: »

I know something easy to grow that DEFINATELY saves money, and makes you feel good about yourself... Mixed lettuce seeds! you get hundreds in a packet! Means you don't have to buy those annoying bags with the 'use by' date of mixed lettuce leaves at £1 each...

Ahh yes I like lettuce. Any tips?

K8eP

£ 2.40 odd
Suttons fast growing mixed lettuce

£15.00
Slug n Snail shocka mat, depends on size (size I buy from Ferndale Lodge is £15, and I got free veg seeds from them, including fast growing raddish, carrot, beetroot, spring onions, etc - all sutton's brand).
The mat is safe for all animals, (except slugs and snails) and it's a sheet you can use for several years under planters etc.

£ 9.99
A mini greenhouse from Home Bargains, 3 tier, 9.99 (the plastic cover type)

£10.00 (3 for)
Asda compost 3x 7 ltr bags

Poundland or 99p store, plant pots / planters, and tools



There ya go, you're virtually running your own farm! (lol - just need some animals...)

blackandwhitebunny

Lidl is good for seeds, I think about 30p for radishes, beetroot, carrots etc and about 60p for beans. Their yellow beans are super prolific and I've used the same packet of seeds for several years. I've always had excellent germination rates from them.

gememily

Thanks everyone,
Well I have lettuce leave seeds and tomato plants ready to go. Also bought a half whiskey barrel and some herb plants, so that I can make my own herb garden because I love using herbs when I am cooking! So excited!

Good luck with your planting everyone!

daz501

I'm going to make myself a greenhouse from bamboo and some sort of sheet plastic. Any tips on this one?