The Poultry Keeper

Bradders · Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 6:02 pm Post subject: Growing veg for the first time

Hi everyone, Very Happy

I've been wanting to grow some veg ready for the spring and don't know where to start. Could I grow some veg if I rip out all the weeds in the garden border, and put some muck on the on top of the border.
Any one help ? Very Happy

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2062 Location: North Cornwall

Hi Bradders, that sounds like a good idea to me. Clear out the border and dig in well rotted muck over two thirds of it. Leave the other bit without muck for growing carrots in, I know you like carrots Laughing

In the mean time, send for a seed catalogue, which is nice to read in bed Very Happy

and make a list of what you would like to grow. Cross off half the things on the list and then do the same with whats left and send for those that are left.

If there is any thing that you dont have room for that you really really want to try, you can grow it here. xx

Bradders · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 9:26 am Post subject:

Thanks Jan, Laughing

Me and mum are going to clear the border out today when Flo gets home from ballet.
xx Very Happy

debcat · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 11:28 pm Post subject:

Lucy had a go with a few seeds last year, we didn't fence the hens out well enough though and it poured down for most of the summer Rolling Eyes

She's going to have another go next year

Bradders · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 4:34 pm Post subject:

Hi Debcat
What sort of veg do you grow, I thinking of growing some lettuce's, carrots, runner beans, tomatoes. Any thing else that you could think off too grow in a garden border Question

debcat · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 5:08 pm Post subject:

you could try sweetcorn or a few potatos

Duckie · Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 198

leeks are really easy to grow, if you can put a row in at the back of the border, and cabbage if you can keep the butterflies off (they hunt by sight apparantly so disguise them under some sweet peas or something). Onions, garlic and herbs are all pretty easy and don't mean you have to eat nothing else for a week!

Also fruit bushes/canes are easy, look pretty, and gluts aren't so much of a problem as fruit always freezes nicely for puddings in the winter.

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2062 Location: North Cornwall

debcat · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:27 pm Post subject:

you could have a go at strawberries as well Very Happy

Bradders · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 4:24 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys,
I never thought of rasberry's and strawberry's. Rolling Eyes

I did mention sweetcorn and some potatos to nan but she said they would take the border over. The border is only about 4 metres by 1 metre.

Oh yeh,
Mum wants to know when we should start digging the border over yet because we didn't get chance last week end because
I was playing rugby. Very Happy

When should we start laying the seeds and any more idears for growing the veg. Very Happy

Could I grow some cucumbers in a pot or do I need a green house for that job Question

Aussie in France · Joined: 10 Feb 2008 Posts: 11

Hi there, i am anewbie veggie patcher and i have a bible called "THE vEGETABLE eXPERT" By hessayon...he edits/writes similar "expert" books on all types of gardening but this is an easy read, all formatted in the same way and so far, has been really useful! highly recommended! Good luck! by the way, beetroots and radishes are good for kids to grow coz they are really fast...my kids love them and they dont get bored waiting...also, its amazing what they will eat when they have played a part in growing it!

Dusty · Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 547 Location: St. Asaph

Hi Bradders,

Try potatoes in bags, use old compost bags or strong black bags, put some compost in bottom and place two or three chitted potatoes in, cover with compost and as the leaves show cover with more compost, unrolling the bag to accomodate until ready to harvest, no mess, easy to access and great compost for putting on beds after.

Broad beans are easy to grow and won't take up too much room on a border.

Beetroot, lettuce, peas, french beans, onions are all easy to do for a beginner ( i was one last year!)

Also tomatoes, yum.

Have fun having a go, it's worth the effort. Very Happy

Bradders · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:12 am Post subject:

Thanks guys
I just about to clear the border out now Very Happy

any way we were going to grow alot in pots this year. Very Happy

Bradders · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 6:12 pm Post subject:

Hi guys
Just came in from tidying up the gardens Very Happy

Started on theborder today and it looks abit better but i haven't finished yet. Sad

My other nan came round to help me do the front garden this morning and the front garden looks so much better. Very Happy

Gilly C · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 2339 Location: South Cumbria

well done Lidl are cheap for seeds so are Wilkinsons and they buy 2 get 3rd free Smile