Article by Pam

Despite dabbling in the garden with flowers for over 25 years, the trend for homegrown veggies inspired me to have a bash at growing some fruit and veg over the past few years. Unfortunately, my "garden" is a small city yard and I have far more "wish-list" plants than actual soil, so I opted to see what I could grow in pots and the like (all organic of course, as I have been for the 25+ years).

I've learnt that growing this way takes some daily dedication as pots dry out much more quickly than I'd imagined! So this winter Ive ordered a drip-irrigation system to help me out a bit on the watering front, in the hope that this is an efficient (in water terms) method of getting consistent water to the plants. Im also going to use some sort of mulch on the top of pots, in the form of bark or small stones maybe, to help slow down the loss of water, as well as using water-retention crystals to store water more efficiently near roots to be taken up as and when the plant needs it.

I've had varying levels of success with my harvests; my "easy-to-grow" potatoes were pitifully small in number and size meaning we almost had to share one each on a plate! Thankfully, my carrots didnt get eaten by predicted carrot-root fly as they didnt grow bigger than a thumb-nail before turning their roots up to the sun and departing to the allotment in the sky. And that was after I'd lovingly sieved the soil (half soil, half compost mix) to take out any stones or hard bits so those carrot roots would grow strong and straight (no two-arm, two-legged carrots for me!) but it wasnt to be. But Im no quitter so have bought ROUND baby carrots this winter as it claims they will grow easily in pots. Watch this space...

I grew some peas that did well but we've since decided that we all much prefer Mr Bird's Eyes better than fresh so thats off this years growing menu. But I will grow (or try to) some runner beans that proved very easy to start from their large seeds. Unless you live in the North of England or Scotland then I'd suggest you start them off in the house in pots and then get them out in early April, as long as there is no frost forecast. Yes, thats about a month earlier than recommended and you do have to keep an eye on the weather (being prepared to dash out and wrap them up in frost is due) but Ive noticed that the last few April's here have been consistently warmer (global warming maybe?) and this allows the plants to get a bit of a head start growing away for a longer harvest period. Only you can decide whats right for your area but never be afraid to experiment for what works in your microclimate.

I've also planted lots and lots of strawberries (I LOVE them!) and also some summer and autumn fruiting raspberries. During the first year I had only a few strawberries but they were the sweetest and loveliest strawberry's Id ever tasted! Plus no food-miles! The second year was a much better crop and Ive learnt not to take runners of first-years strawberries as it weakens them, but to do so after this as the plant is exhausted after year 3, so free plants to replace those older ones and many more years ahead of strawberries I hope! Ive learn that labeling plants to EXTREMELY important as Ive now no idea what raspberries I have where, and consequently no idea of when to prune for a good harvest!

So, whatever stage you're at I wish you sunny days, warm rain and lots of exciting growing and harvesting!