help!!

[keki]

hi, i would love to start growing my own fruit and veg this year, but have'nt got a clue what to do or where to start.

can anyone offer any help or advice?

thanks very much x

[Hans Mum]

hi & welcome, you'll find loads of advice on here, what kind of area are you thinking about using and whereabouts in the country are you (it does make a difference) and what do you and your family like to eat....you can always grow some salad leaves there very easy and very expensive to buy although its a little early to grow those without cover.

[zazen999]

Welcome to the Vine.

So much will depend on so many things.

I'd recommend putting the kettle on, writing down the top 3 or 5 fruit / veg you would like to grow. Then going to the search button and looking at other threads.

Go to the growing techniques section and look at Supersprout's Allotment for great ideas. http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ment_5573.html

Then depending on whether you are growing in containers, raised beds, an allotment; put these searches in and have a root round.

There's also a 'what I did today' thread, which you can look at to see what people are doing and when they are doing it.

Above all, dip in and out and ask questions when you have them.

Also, pop your location into your profile, so that local people can give you better advice.

[keki]

hi, thanks for your replies

the main thing that i would like to start off growing would be, potatoes, carrots, peas/beans, cucumbers and peppers, i would also more than likely grow some salad leaves aswell.

most of my veg would be grown in containers at home, but my dad has a greenhouse and some ground that i could use as he would also like to grow veg aswell

thanks x

[beaufontboy]

Welcome ! There are loads of pepper fans here, I grow 5 or 6 pepper plants in pots on the back patio which were pretty good last year, I will try and start the seeds off earlier this year just incase we get some early sun !! Good luck and enjoy !

[cupcake]

The Feb Grow your own mag has tips for beginners.

[Two_Sheds]

the main thing that i would like to start off growing would be, potatoes, carrots, peas/beans

I got some seed potatoes from B&Q today ... 2 big bags for a fiver.
Seeds of carrots etc are about £1 a pack.

The single best how-and-when-to-grow resource, if you only buy one book, is Dr Hessayon's Veg Expert (about £5 from Amazon). Or get a copy from your library for free.

[allotmentlady]

For your first year I would stick to around 3 or 4 different veges, then you csan concentrate on them, learn from mistakes or improve yoour technique, then next year add 3 or 4 more to your list, if you have the room!
Peppers and chillies and toms/cucumbers can be grown in your dad's greenhouse, whilst spuds etc, can be grown in tubs. I always do a mix of soil and manure to put into the tubs, make sure its well rotted manure.

This site is wonderful for hints and tips and check out the seeds to swap section!

Welcome to the site and good luck for your first season of growing.

[keki]

thanks to you all for your help and info!

two sheds - i have already invested in a book by Dr Hessayon - the veg and herb expert - is this the book you are referring to

thanks x

[allaboutliverpool]

Get lots of tips from :-

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/all...ents1_homepage

Courgettes and runner beans are easy and pest free, slads such as lettuce, radish and spring onions are quick.

Spinach beet and Chard are easy and crop for a long time.

Onion sets planted 1cm apart quickly produce thinnings for use as spring onions, larger ones for pickling or eating and those that are left are great as they are tangerine sized.

[Storming Norman]

Hi Keki,

If you have access to greenhouse space then you have a feast coming. Do you like tomatoes - they are so much better than shop bought when you grow your own. Also cucumbers have taste - but expensive seeds, see if you can find someone who has a few spare seeds so you can try them. What does dad do with his greenhouse presently?

You said that you were interested in fruit. Now is the time to be thinking and planning some fruit - but it is long term and takes space. You could grow a few strawberries in containers to try. They can be much tastier than the shops but needs TLC. There is lot of good fruit advice here as well.

Ann

[Doreen]

I grew some Amsterdam carrots in hanging baskets last year for the first time and was very pleased with the result.