Author : Professor Michael Benfield PhD

Copyright (c) 2010 Professor Michael Benfield PhD

I WANT TO GROW MY OWN VEGETABLES How do I get started?

Lots of people are turning to ‘grow-your-own’ as a solution to healthy living and cutting food bills If you get it right you can produce a whole host and variety of vegetables for you and your family Getting started can be really easy

START WITH YOUR LIST

Think about the vegetables and fruits you and your family eat regularly and write them down You’ve now got a list of the veggies that will probably be best for you to grow

Easy isn’t it?

Of course some fruits and veggies are more tricky than others so with your list in mind eliminate things that may be difficult to grow It doesn’t mean that you can’t grow them but if you’re starting out try the easier veggies first!

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED to Grow My Own Veggies?

Obviously this depend on the type of fruit and vegetables you want to harvest If you’re starting out start small don’t buy tons of equipment just yet! You’ll probably find you won’t need it!

However, you will need the following to get started!

# Seeds, Plants or cuttings(a little trickier)for the veggies you want to grow

# Somewhere to grow them!

RAISED BEDS

Many people choose to grow their veggies in raised beds, these are usually wooden structures placed in the garden that provide a border in which top soil or compost is placed

There are lots of these on the market from lovely half log raised beds to great tough polythene alternative raised beds which provide an inexpensive and ideal way to get started

There are also a range of containers available that are specifically designed for certain types of fruit and veggies

EXAMPLES Here are some examples:

# Carrot patio Planter # Potato Patio Planter # Tomato Planter # Herb planter

DO I HAVE TO HAVE A GREENHOUSE to Grow My Own Veggies?

In short – No!

A greenhouse is a big investment and you should think before you buy one!

If you want to protect your crops there are cheaper alternatives on the market such as cloches and polytunnels These are a much less permanent garden fixture but still offer protection from cold weather and pests

Cold frames can be a relatively cost effective alternative to a full greenhouse or there are miniature greenhouses available Of course HGC has plenty of Greenhouses available if you do want to purchase one!

If you’re not sure whether you need a greenhouse take a look at our blogged artcile Should I buy a Greenhouse?

A GREAT WAY TO GET HEALTHY & INVOLVE THE KIDS

Whatever you decide growing your own veggies is a great way to cut your food bills and get healthy It’s also a great way to get the kids involved – they’re generally much happier to eat the veggies they’ve grown themselves!

GOOD LUCK

and thanks for your interest!

HGC – the Home & Garden Centre – is part of the Benfield ATT Group – chaired by Dr Michael Benfield, Professor of Civil & Construction Engineering at the University of Wales Newport. With its roots in engineered timber products, today HGC is the UK’s favourite on-line Superstore, delivering a wide range of professional & DIY home and garden improvements gifts & ideas for UK and overseas markets

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Filed under: Healthy Home

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