Q: I have a small garden, can you still help? How much space do I need?
A: You can start with any size garden. If you just have a windowsill or a small porch, there are solutions for your space.Q: I have a north facing, shady garden. What vegetables can I grow here?
A: Yes, even though most veggies prefer the sun, there are some that will tolerate shade. Chard, brassicas such as cabbage or broccoli, brussel sprouts or spring greens. Beetrots, if given a good start in cell trays can also be effective. Try some lettuce varieties as these tend to grow year round (if protected in winter). They tend not to enjoy the full sun anyway.Optimise areas such as sunny window sills and walls that you could grow something against, using the warmth from the sun as a tool to maximise growspace. Remember a bit of shade is potentially beneficial for some crops. With a little shade from hot sun, they will require less water.
Q: I have a small budget but I am invested in growing some supplementary produce. What’s the best value?
A: Herbs are always a really great place to start and easy to grow in pots. Lettuces are also super easy to grow and you get loads of seeds in a pack for succession planting. Tomatoes are also a great plant to start with - if you have a greenhouse, a sunny, sheltered spot outside or even on a sunny windowsill.
Q: How much produce can I get from a 1m x 1m raised bed?
A: Even though small, if managed correctly you could be growing enough veg to supplement some of your weekly shop (depending on how big your household is). Utilising growing space, eg:- growing upwards as well as using the space underneath and densely planting you can get more production value per sqm. There was a craze in the 80’s called square foot gardening...the idea behind it is dividing the space into 9 sections and using each section to grow different fruit and veg in them.Q: I have no outdoor space, how can I incorporate green into my life!?
A: So perhaps you have a windowsill to grow some herbs on, or a tomato plant. That could be a good place to start? Vertical gardening is a thing! Look into how you could incorporate a trellis up a wall or a pot with a bamboo frame, or even pallets or hanging baskets. There are many great options on the internet to browse. Maybe you could look into an allotment or ask your friends/neighbours if you could use a small corner of their garden and share the produce as a thank-you.Q: I have no outdoor space but I still want to compost, how can I do this?
A: There could be local composting facilities at a community garden or maybe your neighbour has one. There is a really cool composting system called Bokashi, which takes up very little space.
Q: How long will it take to establish and when can I expect to harvest?
A: One of the quickest crops you can grow are radish and you can expect a crop within 4 weeks! Larger vegetables take more time. Here’s a link to some fast-growing vegetables. Use succession planting to help manage your harvest.
Bear in mind, with fast growing veg, they go to seed if you don’t catch them in time! However, having a “wild” zone in your garden and letting things go to seed is an excellent plan. These areas are fab for your wildlife population as well as low maintenance.
Q: Can you create a maintenance plan for me?
A: I can create detailed maintenance plans for your current garden or your newly designed and planted garden. Get in touch for more information. Prices from £100.
have limited time to work on my garden. Can you help me create something
Q: Can I grow anything in winter?
A: Yes`! Like with any veggie growing, it just takes a bit of preparation. Having a planting plan is extremely helpful if you want a regular harvest. Some winter veg such as broccoli, sprouts or cabbage need to be sown late spring/summer in order to be a decent size in winter. If you would like help creating a personal plan for growing, please get in touch for more information. Prices from £100.
Q: I haven’t got a clue, everything I plant dies but I’m still keen to learn. Help!
A: Don’t panic, everyone has to start somewhere, and failure is good. Keep trying! If you feel like you need extra help, we can work out a proper plan to create something that works for you.