Start gardening in the easiest place
Look for the sunniest, most dry place to cultivate, as close to the house as possible. Siting your garden close to the house will encourage you to give the plants enough attention – the Japanese have a saying, ‘the best fertilizer is the gardener’s shadow’.
Start small
If you manage one bed successfully, it is much more encouraging than having too big a space that gets out of hand.
Only grow what you or your family like eating
You’d be surprised at how many people persevere trying to grow veggies they don’t really like!
Start easy
Try your hand at easy, hardy crops like mixed salads, peas, winter kales and leeks, garlic or shallots.
Grow vegetables which are expensive to buy
This at least makes your efforts more worthwhile. Vegetables like sugarsnap peas, mangetout, early potatoes, herbs or even unusual ones like delicious golden or yellow sweet tomatoes, purple pod beans and rainbow chard.
Grow your own plants
By growing your own plants, you can be assured they are strong, healthy and carry no diseases. If you don’t have the space, try to at least buy plants from local growers or farmers markets.
Purchase good quality tools
Make sure that the tools are also the right size and weight for you. Once can do most garden work with a spade, fork and trowel. Stainless steel is our favourite as it doesn’t rust, and the wooden handles can be replaced when necessary. A good tool can last a lifetime. A pair of wellies are invaluable, to slip on and off easily to pop outside, especially on wet days.
Don’t forget to compost
Composting is the key to keeping soil fertile, so get going with your own system. Composting is worthwhile, even in a small garden.
Join a gardening or allotment group
It helps to be able to swap ideas, tips, seeds and plants.
Be kind to yourself
Growing your own food from seed is a miracle, so enjoy your successes. Try not to focus on your failures, every gardener has them no matter how seasoned.
