Get growing

There’s never been a better time to discover your green fingers and have a go at growing your own fruit and vegetables

- Ellie Fells

In recent weeks, the Covid-19 pandemic has meant many of us have spent a lot more time in the garden. But whether you have a large outdoor space, a balcony, or even just window boxes or hanging baskets, a bit of gardening is a great way to find some much-needed headspace and relaxation. And, with the weekly shop often involving long queues and with fresh fruit and veg in high demand, now is a great time to try your hand at growing your own.

If you have room for a veg patch the first task will be to find a suitable location. As Guy Barter, the chief horticulturist at the RHS, explains, you don’t need acres and acres of space to get started.

‘A plot of just 1x1m would still produce a good amount of vegetables,’ he insists.

If space doesn’t permit that, then you can utilize buckets, big plant pots, empty wheelbarrows, or even an old kitchen sink! The key thing is that your vegetable patch has plenty of sunlight and is slightly sheltered from the wind, and be sure to remove all weeds before you start planting.

Next, you’ll need to choose what products you want to grow, and there are many options available. Sarah Raven, who has run cooking, flower arranging, gardening, and growing courses since 1999, has plenty of advice.