Starting Again

[Graham O]

After a break of 12 years, I want to start growing some veg next year but I haven't been able to find how much space I need. Fortunately I have all the land I could ever need and my fear now is that I'll go over the top, do a lot of hard work preparing the beds and then produce enough veg to feed the 5000!

I was thinking about 4 beds, 3m by 1.2m. How much could I produce from this amount of land? There are just 2 main veg eaters in the family and I'm not looking to be self sufficient for the whole year. The area is cold and relatively exposed, but by using the front garden, the plots will be sheltered from the cold winds and will warm up earlier. There is also a greenhouse, that admittedly will need some glass. The location is high up in North Wales.

All information will be gratefully recieved.

[Alison]

I assume that you're planning on doing a 4 year rotation around each of the beds. It basically depends on what you grow as to how much you crop, some crops take up more space than others. Personally I'd make a list of what you and your OH like the best and then prioritise the ones which are either expensive / difficult to buy or that taste so much nicer home made. As you say, you won't have enough space to be self sufficient but you'll be able to produce a fair bit still. Consider a bit of vertical growing eg climbing beans or even growing the likes of squashes up a trellis. Until recently I've only been able to grow at home and I've been amazed at the variety you can produce in a small area. Just don't fill an entire bed with, say, cabbages as you won't know what to do with them all. Sow little and often and you'll do fine.

[Demeter]

Start with less rather than more, I would say - even if you have all the land in the world doesn't mean you should try and cultivate the lot in your first year! Better to end the year wishing you'd got more than get fed up with the whole idea because you've taken on too much...

The amount of space you have suggested sounds like a good starting point, as long as you are confident you can dig it and clear off the weeds etc in time for spring. It is similar to the space we have had for our first year and if our experience is anything to go by it should produce enough to keep you both in veg all summer and, with a bit of planning, a fair bit of autumn/winter too!

PS welcome to the vine!!

[Graham O]

It is similar to the space we have had for our first year and if our experience is anything to go by it should produce enough to keep you both in veg all summer and, with a bit of planning, a fair bit of autumn/winter too!

PS welcome to the vine!!

Sometimes the answer provided is actually much better than the question asked! You have answered my real question, i.e. Has anyone got experience of this amount of beds and will it keep cropping throughout summer, autumn and into winter? Thank you.

Our previous veg area had 4 beds each 10m by 10m plus a soft fruit area, which was enough for self sufficiency throughout the year plus some animal food. I also remember how long it took to dig each bed and I don't want to go over the top and make work for myself, but at the same time, don't want such a small area that it is not worth the effort.

I'm sure I'll be back with many more daft questions as my plans develop

Thanks for the welcome.

[SlugLobber]

If you have the time, energy and money to over-produce, I really don't see what harm you can do! There are always grateful recipients of fruit and veg - they make lovely gifts to those who struggle to go shopping or garden for themselves and you'll definitely make new friends!

Can't really advise on size/number of beds, but good luck!