3 simple steps: grow your own food
I am back from my journeys and that means that 3 simple steps is back!
It may surprise you that I chose this subject after the veg growing season is over, but when you are a beginner, it pays off to prepare for growing, even if you only start sowing in march :) Step 1What are your favorite vegetables?
Planning your garden should always start with this. Try out different vegetables this coming winter, and write down which you liked and which you didn't. This is your source list for your own veg garden. Step 2
Plan
This is a very important step. Do you have a garden? A balcony? A windowsill? You can grow veg everywhere, just plan now for a good harvest next year. Need to clear away plants from part of your garden? Need to replant a shrub? Dig them up now, and replant them, then work on clearing your soil. It may be a good idea to get a soil tester so you can see what you need to add to make your soil good growing land.
When you are going to grow your veg in pots, start collecting them (you can use big food tins (from restaurants etc) for free planters). Get a cheap greenhouse (I have a small greenhouse in my garden, also use old pie dishes (the plastic ones you get your pies in in supermarkets) to sow seeds in. Plan what is best for you, and invest in some good compost, that will easily be earned back when you have a good crop from your soil Step 3
Gather information and then get your seeds
Read up on the foods on your source list, the ones you would like to grow, and plan for high yielding crops. Also realize that when you grow your veg on your balcony, you can't grow some veg, simply because the yield from one planter isn't enough for even one meal (some species of beans come to mind). Get cut and come again salads then, you can keep eating from them all through summer.
Find a supplier for seeds, or find people who are willing to share the seeds with you (seed swaps, or suchlike), read up about the veg you want to grow and find the perfect location to grow it at. Be creative and maybe this time next year you enjoy the veg that you love, grown in your own big or small garden! For more questions, don't be afraid to email me. I don't know everything about growing your veg, but I have fallen into all the beginner traps :)
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