Garden Beginner

inspirespirit

Hi... could someone please recommend either a good cheap book or (preferably) a website/blog that would give me step by step instructions to growing my own produce.

I have a very very small garden so everything will have to be grown in containers/grow bags. I'm thinking of getting one of those small plastic mini pretend greenhouse things. However, I have no idea when to buy and what goes outside or in the 'greenhouse'.

I am hoping to grow what we eat most which is tomatoes, chillies, strawberries, blueberries, peppers, cucumbers and herbs.
Thank you.

Archiebear

You could try reading through the 'Help MBE grow his dinner' thread on this forum- really useful and has definitely inspired me into clearing a space in my garden for growing veg next year!

There was a website mentioned on that thread which is helpful if you have a small garden and has lots of tips/ instructions. The link is http://www.container-gardening-for-food.com/index.html

Have fun growing!

madjackslam

I picked up the River Cottage allotment book cheap somewhere, and, though not infallible, it's the one I tend to go back to. Includes a few recipes for things that tend to glut, which is useful. Also use Geoff Hamilton's Practical Gardening Course, which is out of print now, I'm afraid.

This is a good website for advice - I used to look at the Gardeners World one, but that has gone down hill these days.

Blueberries will be happy outside in containers, in ericaceous (ie, for acid soil loving plants) compost - look out for it in garden centres. Many herbs will also do well in pots. I've never had much success with strawberries in pots (even though they sell strawberry pots!) but that may be me.

If you want tomatoes, chilllies, peppers and cucumbers then a greenhouse is the most reliable place. Elsewhere on here you will find that people are sceptical of the mini plastic greenhouses. Consider saving your pennies and buying a proper one, or seeing what is on offer on Freecycle.

Most importantly, just have a go. Buy some seeds, pots and compost. Look on the back of the seed packets, follow the instructions, and see what happens. Some things will work, some won't - that's gardening...

lily117

The best place for information is on here! You can always Google any questions too, no need to buy expensive books, but if you really want a book to look through I have had a lot from carboot sales for between 50p and £1.

Yorkie1

I have this book - all those by this chap are good.

SailorSam

The Bbc websites are always one of the best, and i wouldn't go buying expensive books just go around the charity shops.
I've been in Wilkies this morning and they've got their seeds at half price although they didn't have loads. If you need any other seeds there was another thread a couple of days ago with a site with 50p seeds and free postage if you spend £5.

kara7758

Can't recommend a book but can recommend getting one of these

http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/mini-greenhouses+propagation/wilko-walk-in-greenhouse-with-staging+pe-cover/invt/0273090/?htxt=%2FUvRjc0xAaKk26JwgsxcsV6E2gjpK53ITJCPcypNRrR6jhjYX3SDlEUFWaOdTpLU0xVcTayKYYOc%0Aw4t9gBa9qg%3D%3D

rather than one of the mini greenhouse. I have a small back yard and
bought this item. Fab, have grown toms, peppers, chilli's, cucumber and lots of herbs in it. Seems sturdy and works a treat!!

inspirespirit

ooooo thank you so much for all of your replies. I will be doing lots of reading now. Definitely buying one of those walk in greenhouses Kara.

LavenderBees

kara7758 wrote: »

Can't recommend a book but can recommend getting one of these

http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/mini-greenhouses+propagation/wilko-walk-in-greenhouse-with-staging+pe-cover/invt/0273090/?htxt=%2FUvRjc0xAaKk26JwgsxcsV6E2gjpK53ITJCPcypNRrR6jhjYX3SDlEUFWaOdTpLU0xVcTayKYYOc%0Aw4t9gBa9qg%3D%3D

rather than one of the mini greenhouse. I have a small back yard and
bought this item. Fab, have grown toms, peppers, chilli's, cucumber and lots of herbs in it. Seems sturdy and works a treat!!

Um, yes, that looks good. Have you managed to anchor it down ok. Do you think it will withstand "weather"?

Thanks for the tip!

Yorkie1

These greenhouses need very very secure fixings. I know of several people who have lost seedlings and the greenhouse in strong-ish winds.

kara7758

LavenderBees wrote: »

Um, yes, that looks good. Have you managed to anchor it down ok. Do you think it will withstand "weather"?

Thanks for the tip!

It has withstood strong winds so far. It comes with guide roles like a tent which I have driven into cracks in paving slabs and then tightened. Hope that helps!:)