We're going veggie !!!

[andy]

We've decided that 2010 will be the year of the vegetable in chez Andy. We don't have a big garden and our decked area will still be bedding and a few exotics.

But we've got a small area that doesn't get used. It measures approx 6 feet x 10 feet and has lovely soil. There is also a trellice on one side for any climbers.

Right down the bottom of the garden, the scene of many exotics in the past few years, we will hopefully add a 6 foot x 8 foot greenhouse. We can also remove a few slabs alongside the back fence for climbers again.

Other than that, we have a lot of scope for growing stuff in tubs.

The plan will be to grow the usual Tomatoes, cues, peppers etc in the greenhouse, root veg such as beetroot, parsnips, onions, spring onions and carrots in the ground, potatoes in sacks and everything else in pots or tubs. Runners and possibly mange-tout or green beans will grow up the fence and trellice


I have a few questions. Would the addition of farm yard manure be of any benifit if i was to add it in the autumn and then roughly dig it in ? The soil is pretty good.....a nice loam (pH slightly alkaline) with lots of added spent potting compost in. Just feel it needs bulking up a bit.

Also, are there any veggies which, in your experience, are a definate no-no for tubs ?

Any help and suggestions appreciated

Andy

[carolann]

Welcome to Veggie garden world Andy, I have one tip for you if you do put manure on dont grow carrots there as they dont like it, they are OK the following year though, also if growing spuds in bags raise the bag off the floor so the water can drain away. I cant think of anything that you wouldnt be able to grow in containers. Good luck and keep us all posted with lots of pic's.

[Rosefriend]

I have to have all my veg in containers andy and there isn't anything that I haven't managed up to now including beans, peas, carrots, parsnips, beetroot and onions.

RF

[Ladygardener]

It's like a new adventure for you Andy. Good luck with it all. As far as I know Parsnip don't like the manure either. There are lots of varieties to choose from for all the veg you're growing, some are especially for container gardening. Do let us know how you get on.

[Tig]

Nice one Andy, happy days planning ahead.
Do try some sweet corn, it looks like an 'exotic' grass when growing, and you can interplant with other veggies.
In my experience carrots and beetroot grow much better in tubs (and cleaner), plus you can get the carrots at a height that the dreaded carrot fly cannot reach
Try a few garlic cloves as well, they are one to overwinter. My turnips were great this year, lovely, sweet and tender. Oooh how exciting ;D

x Tig

[bagpuss]

Go for it Andy. One tip which I have found has worked well this year on the lottie, is when planting certain veg out (mainly the courgettes, squashes, and runners) that putting a handful of shredded paper in the hole and then soaking it before planting, has helped to retain moisture in the soil.

Definitely agree with Tig about trying sweetcorn. I have grown mine this year mulched with a layer of manure and through black plastic to help keep the soil moist.

Look forward to seeing pics and hearing how you get on.

[Auricula]

I wish you great success with your new venture - was it inspired by your birthday?
I don't grow much veg, but all my salad crops and carrots grew well in containers this year - and we've had a miserable summer!!

[farmersboy]

You could maybe grow Runner Beans up the trellice Andy,a trench filled with farmyard manure would be good for those

[andy]

yep, that's the plan mate and possibly dwarf french beans or maybe peas up against the fence.

One thing i do want to grow is Iceberg lettuce....cos i lurve it !!!....are they harder to grow than normal lettuces ?

[carolann]

No Andy they are not hard to grow at all unless they are under cover when you have to keep an eye on them or they go soft. I grow a T&M one called Sonette it has a very crispy texture and can get quite big quickly.

[farmersboy]

Just like to add that your Iceberg will need plenty of water,and you proberly dont get as much rain as down there as Carolann does

[andy]

Cheers guys. One good thing i have on my side is time. I'm starting this up just at the right time which will give me the option to prepare the ground properly and leave for the winter whilst making up a sowing and planting plan....and of course reading up on individual species.

And i can't wait..... ;D

[isabella]

I am so pleased you are going to start a veggie patch Andy - you won't regret it ;D
Looking forward to seeing your progress

[bagpuss]

Hi Andy

I bought Carol Klein's vegetable journal, so that I can keep a better note next year of the veggies I grow. It also has a recipe for each month. I got it through The Book People for £4. I was also given this year by a friend a set of two books also by Carol Klein, one called Grow your Own Veg, and the other Eat your Own Veg. The Veg Gardening in small spaces is another very useful book too.

Just thought I would mention them, in case you might find them useful.

I must admit, I cheated this year with sweetcorn, as I bought plants ("Fiesta"). The plants look good, and have done well, although I'm not sure on flavour at the moment. The runner beans I grew this year (Enorma) were a little later than some others on the allotment plot but they have produced lots of very tasty beans, which live up to their name.

I hope you enjoy planning and growing your own.