Hi all.

[Duckdad]

I'm new to all this forum type of thing (computers) and i'm a bit of a novice gardener, so any good advice is appreciated. I have a decent size garden, 150 foot, with a polytunnel, greenhouse and veg plot, a bit of lawn and some space for 7 chickens and 2 ducks. I have been growing my own for a few years now but its all a bit hit and miss, it would be nice to be self sufficient but thats just a dream. I occasionally have too much of one thing or another so if anyone in the Swindon area wants to swap stuff that would be good. The weeds seem to do better than my plants.

[veggiechicken]

Hi Duckdad and welcome to the Grapevine Sounds like you have a good setup in your garden - not much more needed for self-sufficiency (its good to dream )
How about bees?

[Duckdad]

Hi veggiechicken, it is a good set up, but it needs someone who knows what they are doing, i'm learning slowly. I did investigate the Bee idea, but we live too close to a main road, I'm afraid the traffic would wipe them all out and there is the issue of flightpath and sticky mess. Thanks for the welcome.

[veggiechicken]

I used to keep bees and there are ways of managing their flight path from the hive so that they don't leave their little deposits on the neighbour's washing I wouldn't worry about the traffic either, I believe there are more hives in towns than there are in the countryside these days - and just think of the benefits of pollination for your fruit and veg - and the honey of course! Lots of advice in What's the Buzz?

[Two_Sheds]

I occasionally have too much of one thing or another

That's why we invented jams, chutneys and the freezer

[Duckdad]

Hi Two sheds, I'm running out space to store it all, still living off last years toms and chillis, freezer full, i think i just need more space and time to preserve it all.

[Veggielot]

it is a good set up, but it needs someone who knows what they are doing, i'm learning slowly.

I wouldn't worry to much about knowing what you are doing, I haven't a clue most of the time. I think enthusiam is much more important. you can always ask if there is something you want to know and this is a good place to ask.

[Two_Sheds]

I'm running out space to store it all, still living off last years toms and chillis, freezer full

Oh, that's really good. I got the impression you weren't getting much at all.


People can get their own one-to-one Master Gardener to advise them on food growing, if they want it. Your nearest is Somerset though Somerset Master Gardeners | Local advice and support growing food

[Duckdad]

Thanks guys, enthusiasm i have, time and space are my limiting factors.

[Bren In Pots]

Hello and welcome to the vine Duckdad

[PyreneesPlot]

Hello and welcome from me too.

I dream of being self sufficient, as well. And we are ...


... in slugs

[Glutton4...]

Hello, and welcome to the Madhouse!

[shepp726]

hello and welcome, enjoy.

[marchogaeth]

Croeso i'r Vine. Sorry it's late.

[Feral007]

Welcome. If you have rain you're doing better than me :/