Before you start

Before you start – a few things to think about

Space

How much space have you got? Even a tiny balcony or south-facing windowsill can be a space for growing food. Be creative – you can grow plants in pots, bags, boxes or even milk cartons. If you've only got flowerbeds, why not grow a few runner beans, some sweetcorn or a courgette or two in amongst the flowers? Herbs are really easy in containers, and as they don't need much water they also do well on sunny banks. If you have a small strip of earth by a south-facing wall (maybe down the side of a path?) grow some tomatoes – they'll like the heat from the wall. If you've just got concrete, you can grow in containers or raised beds. Whatever your space, you can grow something.

Position

Light: You'll need to think about light and shade before deciding what to grow. Most plants benefit from sunshine, so a north-facing balcony could be difficult, but maybe you have a sunny windowsill? If you have a garden, where are the sunny spots that are going to be best for growing your sun-loving vegetables? The more sun the plants get in the growing season the quicker and more productively they will grow.

Shelter: If possible, try to make sure that at least part of your growing area is out of the wind – strong winds and heavy rain can damage young plants, especially tall ones.

Weather

Be aware of the seasons where you live – you may need to adapt your growing to suit your local climate. If you live in a colder part of the country you will need to plant a bit later than if you live in the warmer south (use the later dates recommended in this book). Likewise, if you have a drier climate you will need to think about growing crops that don't mind dry conditions, or be prepared to get out there frequently with the watering can.

Soil

What kind of soil do you have? If it is thick, heavy, clay soil it is a good idea to add some compost (see here) to try to 'open it up' and make it less dense. If it is a light, sandy soil add well-rotted farm manure, if you can get hold of some, or compost, which will help give the soil more body and reduce water loss. Compost both adds nutrients and enriches your soil, which will mean healthier plants.

If you are growing in containers or a window box you will need a good growing compost; there are lots of different sorts on offer, but buy compost that is peat-free (let's save what peat bogs still remain!) and, ideally, organic if you can.

Water

It's a good idea to invest in some water butts to catch the free water from the roof of your house or shed; you can't have too much, especially in a dry summer. If you are running a tap in the kitchen waiting for your water to warm up, rather than waste it, collect the cold water into a bucket and save it to use it on your plants.

Equipment

You can get by with very little equipment or, in some cases, can make your own.

Tools: If you are growing indoors you can make do with an old spoon, although a trowel is handy. Outdoors you can manage with a trowel and a large fork, but a spade, hoe and rake are also useful. Garage sales are great places to find cheap tools.

Watering: A large watering can for outside; a small one or a jug for inside.

Labelling: Plant labels can be made from cut-up yoghurt pots; use a permanent marker or soft pencil.

Tying in or up: A pair of scissors and something to tie plants up with – string, thin strips of old rag, etc.

Pruning: Secateurs.

Support: Sticks, canes, trellis or netting.

Protection: Net and fleece will help to protect plants from pests and cold weather. Cloches (see here) are useful both for warmth and to give protection from pests; you can make your own small cloche by cutting a large plastic water bottle in half.

Containers

While you can spend a lot of money on different sorts of container, you can also find or make things to sow and grow in that cost next to nothing.

Pots and modules: There are many different kinds of container for sowing seeds in – from seed trays and modules to pots of different shapes and sizes. You can also use yoghurt pots or fruit juice cartons (with a small hole made in the bottom), or plastic containers from supermarket-packaged fruit and vegetables.

Raised beds: You can make your own or buy ready-made ones, which are made from wood or recycled plastic, are easy to use and can be placed on solid surfaces, like concrete or gravel, or on grass or soil.

Old builders' bags: Great for larger crops such as runner beans or sweetcorn; they will need holes in the bottom for drainage.

Old baskets and buckets: Try the local recycling centre – look for buckets with holes in, or make holes yourself.

Hanging baskets: Good if you have a small space.

Window boxes: Great when space is tight.

Seeds or plants

It's fun choosing and buying seeds – there are so many to choose from. We've suggested varieties that are easy to grow, but once you have found your feet you can enjoy trying out more unusual ones.

Short on time? You can often buy young plants to avoid having to grow them from seed – where relevant we have included information on both.

Holiday cover

If you are going to be away, make sure you have someone who can look after the plants in your absence; they may need watering and/or harvesting.

Time

How much time you invest is up to you, but you will need to allow enough to cultivate your crops.

The basics

The basics – getting started

You've decided where you are going to grow your food, but before you start planting you will need to get the plot ready, to give those seeds and plants every chance of success.

Your plants will need all the light they can get and food from the soil, so make wise choices now to avoid struggling plants later. Plant carefully so that your food crops are successful: for example, if you are planting amongst existing flowers, put in tall crops such as sweetcorn that will soon make their way above the flowers to reach the sun.

Clearing weeds

If you are growing in containers then skip the next few paragraphs. But if you're intending to grow on a patch of land, read on. There are some weeds, unfortunately, that really do need totally removing before you start: these are perennials that will revisit you every year unless you completely clear them away now. We're talking about easy-to-recognise weeds such as dandelions, stinging nettles and docks, as well as ones you may not know – for example, bindweed, couch grass and ground elder. Our suggestion is to find a gardening neighbour or friend who will be able to recognise these unwelcome guests – invite them round and see if they can spot any of these in your...