Hello from Hertfordshire

[Mrs Jackson]

I've been lurking here for weeks now, so I think it's about time I introduced myself. Me and Mr Jackson have been growing veg for 4 years now despite major space issues (new build house so tiny garden and huuuuuuuuuge waiting list for allotments). Well, actually I grow it and occasionally he'll do a bit of watering before eating everything he can lay his hands on. At the moment we're growing courgettes, french beans, mangetout, aubergines, coriander, basil, dill, onions, beetroot, swiss chard, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, rocket, various other salady bits, chillies, peppers and lots of strawberries. We've also had broad beans, psb and garlic this year. Lots of our plants are grown on our shed roof so that we can still move around the garden, the strawberries are on there at the moment so our toddler doesn't eat them all. It's a good place for seedlings earlier on in the year as the black roof keeps them nice and warm overnight. So far everything seems to be doing much better than last year (when our aubergines didn't flower until October!) although we're having a few battles with butterflies/caterpillars, slugs and vine weevils.

Alana

[JILLY JACKSON]

Hi mrs Jackson,first welcome to the vine.I too am having trouble with all of the above but my bantams are helping a bit.Sounds like you are doing pretty well though with all that you'r growing.The cabbabe white butterflies are the worst here this year,seen very few other varieties.oh,i'm mrs Jackson too by the way.

[ellkebe]

Hi there - I'm also a newbie, and also working with a tiny garden on a new build. Your rooftop solution sounds ingenious - any chance of some photos of that?
We're mainly in raised beds - though not as raised as a rooftop! - as the soil is largely builders' rubble! We're slowly trying to improve it. Similar growing list to yours: broad beans; climbing french beans; dwarf beans; runner beans; tomatoes; cucumbers; peppers; butternuts; cima da rapa; salad leaves; tarragon; parsley; thyme; lovage; strawberries; blackcurrants; blueberries, and some potatoes in pots.
I haven't tried posting pictures yet, but would love to see your shed roof if you figure out how to post.