Whats best to look for in a garden

[SimonSez]

Good Morning Grapes,

Sorry I have been quiet the last few months but I currently grow at my in-laws and have lost my space in their garden due to them redecorating

Good news is I hopefully will be in a position to put an offer on a house in December/January which is very exciting! I was wondering what is the best thing to look for in a garden? I will be looking around the Essex/Suffolk boarder and have limited funds.

Previously I have always grown in an allotment or in someone else's garden and have no idea what to look for. Growing is important to me and I do not want to be stuck in a place it is hard to grow.

Is there any advice fellow grapes can give me?

Thanks

Simon

[veggiechicken]

As big a garden as you can buy, not overshadowed by neighbours' houses or trees but with some privacy, orientation to the sun, reasonably level, an existing greenhouse would be a bonus......

[VirginVegGrower]

As VC has said. Space, orientation and light levels are all important factors. No conifers or large trees as they suck the goodness out of your soil. Happy house hunting!

[Feral007]

Why not make a list of the things you've enjoyed most about gardening so far. And then make a list of the things you'd like to do. And see what you need to accomplish that.

Myself, I don't just like to garden; I like to sit and enjoy it too. So either/or an area you can put a table and chairs, or a room at the back where you can look out onto your garden. The garden is an extra room to me. Instead of one big table and chairs I have two smaller tables and assorted chairs so I have one out the back and one out the front to catch the sun/shade according to what's needed.

[SimonSez]

Thanks and I am very much looking forward to the hunt! I hadnt even considered there could be an existing greenhouse at a property as I thought people would take them as they went so I will definately keep an eye open for that.

A few gardens we have seen online, I know its not the same as in person but you have to start somewhere, are bigger but on a gradient. Is this something I should stay away from or does that not really make a difference?

[veggiechicken]

There are slopes and there are cliffs - I have the latter and it is challenging - have a look at my blog. A gentle slope can make a garden more interesting IMO. I like changes in level but its not for everyone!
Satellite images are great for getting an idea of a house and garden and "walk" along the road in StreetView too. You'll see what neighbours have done with theirs.

[SimonSez]

Being originally from Soggy South Wales I am used to a 'valley style' garden on multiple levels but my dad grew on an allotment so am not sure the best way to utilise the space.

I also consider the garden as another room which is why I cant wait to get out of our flat and be able to enjoy the sun and grow our own food. I am just worried if I do not know what to look for I will end up with a garden which does one but not the other.

I will have to make a list. Such a simple thing but, being a man, had never considered doing!

[veggiechicken]

Croeso, Simon! A list is good!! Do you want to keep chooks - because that's another factor. Do you have kids or pets that need space to play? Space to entertain, BBQ, or meditate? A shed, greenhouse, conservatory - even if they're not there now, is there space for them? I could go on, and on..............

[Feral007]

Just remember to leave a wilderness corner for the feral kiwi plant

I think if you make a list of what you want out of the garden it will help.
Then I'd make a list of what you'd like, and another of what you would settle for. So the most, and the least.
Kids and dogs definately need to be considered. Having both I'm used to it. We have the trampoline. But in younger days had to have room for balls to be kicked around and bikes to be ridden.
These days its just the trampoline and room for two kelpie's to run amok. Being on a farm we use electric tape to keep the dogs off the garden (we don't electrify it, but they know it's not friendly stuff) Otherwise you need separate areas for safety and to stop you having to yell at the kids or dogs all the time. But at the end of the day, if you have enough space, some imagination and a few nails and a pallet or two you can do almost anything over time.

[SimonSez]

Ah, the kiddy question. Being married at 25 it comes up often but this is one case where I suppose I will have to keep that in consideration for the future...

Prynhawn dda VC! I do miss being in Sunny Bridgend with all its quirks but I love it here in Essex. Space for a BBQ is a must. In recent years I have been growing in raised beds which I can transfer across to almost anywhere due to the design. But the idea of having a real plot is very exciting! Not to mention its fun looking at houses, even if some of them it is more like being nosey

[VirginVegGrower]

I rather like terracing in gardens. Growing on a gradient needn't be a problem. You just need to be handy at bed building/wall building. Ours is terraced with sleepers. I prefer a garden with added height and interest rather than a uniform square patch, but then that's just me.

[taff]

If it slopes away from you, remember frost pockets form at the bottom of gradients downhill.
If it's a new build, check there is actually soil in the garden, not just an inch of topsoil bunged over the top.
You may have to compromise at some point, so note the pointa on which you're prepared to compromise. As in, you want a big garden so you'll put up with some shade, and trees next door, etc. Nearly everything can be overcome by a bit of lateral thinking, but keep it all in mind, or better still, write it down, or it'll all be running through your head constantly.

[bearded bloke]

I would suggest that it has a larger rear garden than front & that you get a good arc of all day sunshine over the planned growing area (neither of which I have )

[SimonSez]

At the moment my list pretty much is:

Must have atleast 2 bedrooms prefferably 3

Must have parking

Must have Garden for growing/relaxing

must land within budget


Once I have wittled that done I will make a list for the gardens before viewing what hit my original list. It may be I cant afford to be picky...quite literally!

[dominic10]

The last time we moved we found the perfect garden, perfect location and perfect house - trouble was they were all in different locations! Within reason the garden can always be changed so I'd suggest concentrating on the house first.