Growing veg in small beds - what would you plant?

malamay

Although we have a medium-large garden, most of the space has been laid to lawn, and I have a wavy border left for growing. The majority of this I use for flowers and shrubs, and I have two apple trees in there as well.

I want to grow more vegetables. When we were designing our garden, I made two raised beds in the back, which could be hidden a as there is a bit of space between the bed and lawn I use for flowers. I'm not sure why I decided the beds need to be hidden, but I can't see this changing this year.

Anyhow, getting more to my question. I have two beds, both 1m x 2m, each in a corner of the garden with fencing bordering two sides. They get sun most of the day. One is filled with strawberry plants, the other empty apart from the weeds. I would like to grow as much as possible, and am looking for recommendations! I am thinking I'll try maybe 10-20 carrots, and maybe some climbing beans along the fenced sides, which should leave me space for something else. I am growing tomatoes in hanging grow bags, but have nothing else planned. We like pretty much all veg, and I am most concerned with quantity.

What would you plant in this space?

Edit - we have clay soil, but I've worked in loads of compost in the beds, so it should accommodate most veg!

mrbadexample

I'd plant purple-topped summer turnips such as Arcoat or Milan. These are ready very quickly, so you can use them up and reclaim the ground for another crop of something afterwards. They also have a lovely flavour.

I'd probably also go for beetroot, onions, parsnips, radishes and maybe some spuds. But that's just because I like them.

malamay

That's a great idea with the turnips, I'll have to find some seeds! I might set some parsnips after the turnips finish.

I've never grown potatoes before, but I have harvested them from a family friends' house. Would I get a bigger crop if I used a potato bag or other planter? Seems like they use a lot of space, but would be useful to grow as they are such a staple.

OH has suggested leeks, as it is his new favourite. I have no experience with these, but will give them a go!

I have beetroot, parsnip and radish seeds. I might give beetroot a miss if space is too tight.

mrbadexample wrote: »

I'd plant purple-topped summer turnips such as Arcoat or Milan. These are ready very quickly, so you can use them up and reclaim the ground for another crop of something afterwards. They also have a lovely flavour.

I'd probably also go for beetroot, onions, parsnips, radishes and maybe some spuds. But that's just because I like them.

RAS

Hi

Read up on square foot gardening before you go any further - there is a basic guide in the schools section of the garden organic web-site.

ladylouise62

I like to grow ridge (i.e. outdoor) cucumbers as you can grow them upwards (2 up one set of supports), thus not using too much space. Even though mine didn't do too well last year in the silly weather, I still fed 2 of us 4-5 lunches a week with some cucumber, and they are so crisp and tasty that I hated the idea of going back to shop-bought at the end of the season.

Sally_A

Again, I'd go for climbers, more yield for the space. A french or runner bean will get you good returns for a square metre, and when you see 10 runner beans for 75p in the supermarket you will have the right to feel smug.