Newbie wanting to grow with 3yr old daughter in limited space

[Sarahmackins1974]

Hi all

Hoping someone could help with some advice I am beginner myself but want to grow something (preferably veg we can later eat) with daughter (just turned 3).

Main problem is we live in a flat and outdoor space we have isn't secure area so would prefer indoor window box ideas if possible but if not limited space outdoor ideas at a stretch (similar setting to large balcony space - outdoor space is solid roof extension of shop below us and not securely fenced leaving dangerous one storey drop to side (awaiting landlord permission to alter this) so would prefer small walk in greenhouse ideas if setting up outside to give contained space for daughters safety)

Next problem is keeping daughters interest at only 3yrs old - ideas happily received

Personally I would prefer fruit/veg ideas so we can eat produce (if grown successfully) and easy grow ideas as I don't have very green fingers and will take time to learn myself.

Grateful for any tips / ideas anyone can come up with hopefully not costing a fortune to set up
Many thanks
Sarah

[veggiechicken]

Hello Sarah and welcome to the Forum. I'll hop over to your other thread http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ild_68325.html with some growing suggestions

[Florence Fennel]

Hello Sarah and a very warm welcome to the Vine

[darcyvuqua]

im sure i read a very similar thread not long ago maybe you could check that im sure it was along the same lines.

i have to say this year peas picked and ate of of the pod was very much a success this year with my 3 year to the extent of her driving me dull to check for more peas 10 minutes after clearing what was there these were done in a container with MPC and small supports very little work and very little space for alot of reward

[lottie dolly]

welcome to the forum Sarah

[Acanthus]

Salad leaves,like misticanza, grow quickly and variety of tastes,leaf shapes,colours etc rocket grows fast.
Chives,spring onions in pots. Other herbs like parsley,rosemary,oregano, mint, thyme are happy in pots. If you had space outside for biggish pots you could try blackcurrant bushes maybe,would be fun to watch the flowers turn into berries but she might not be able to wait for them to ripen. I have a couple of blueberries in pots, and a fig tree. Depends how much sun you get really

[Sarahmackins1974]

Thanks for the ideas, we have so far managed to plant some broad beans outside to overwinter and a friend gave us some strawberry plants for a hanging bag and have planted some all year seeds given to us too.
We have some fencing like green plastic covered wire mesh you find around tennis courts that we are going to cable tie to existing railing fence to at least close up climb through gaps then we can get out more in the spring to do more outside.
We have just finished another lot of cress indoors and the sweet pea flowers I have sown indoors are showing through now keeping daughter interested as they grow taller
Have drilled holes in the bottom of an old baby bath and filled and planted some winter seed flowers to make a mini flower garden to bloom next spring/summer
I have been given other seeds but they are all for planting next year now
One pack I have been given is mixed herbs but all the planting info is for outside sowing so says next spring planting can anyone tell me would these work inside over the winter?? Don't want to waste if not going to work
Thanks for all the advice so far you have all been very welcoming and helpful
Sarah x
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[chris]

I'd say no, personally. It's not so much the heat (as I'm sure you'll heat your house somewhat over winter!), but the lack of light during the dull winter months!

Unless of course, you have grow lights?

[Sarahmackins1974]

I'd say no, personally. It's not so much the heat (as I'm sure you'll heat your house somewhat over winter!), but the lack of light during the dull winter months!

Unless of course, you have grow lights?

Thanks chris it did doubt it just wanted confirmation

[chris]

I have a daughter the same age, and have now diverted my efforts into explaining how the flowers have produced seed heads, etc - often pointing them out when we're outside, seems to be working well for her anyway.

[Sarahmackins1974]

Well quick update for all those who have been helping me out with ideas so far. We have fenced one side so far although landlord wants it to be not so high so will have to cut down to size later on, other side are building extension which puts solid roof next door instead of one storey drop so not as urgent but may be able to do from cut off we take from height of fence already up so that just leaves getting a bit of fencing or something to prop across top of stairs whenever we are outside.
I have shoots coming up from overwintering broad beans and shoots appearing in the baby bath flower bed the indoor planted sweet pea flowers are doing great. Hanging bag with strawberry plants in are still green and alive looking lol so must be doing something right.
Thanks for all the advice everyone has given me I can't wait for spring to plant more vegetables

[Sarahmackins1974]

Update on our garden with pictures

Thanks for all your help and advice this is what we have achieved so far

[veggiechicken]

Well done Sarah - it all looks very good! Thanks for the updates

[Sarahmackins1974]

Whole garden from front door taken today

This is our whole garden as of today

[darcyvuqua]

This is our whole garden as of today

Seems you been that busy your garden has been turned upside down

Awesome progress tho