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First time fruit/veg patch

• Message 1. 

  Posted by cnn (U15007694) on Tuesday, 18th October 2011

  Hi, I have a small plot of land that I intend to use for some raised beds. The area has been cleared and is basically ready for the beds to be made, however, i've never grown anything other than potted tomatoes/chillies/peppers.
  
  So, does anyone have a step by step or information for me of how I should go about choosing easy fruit/veg to grow, what to do in each month, planting, sowing etc..
  
  Bear in mind i don't have a greenhouse so I basically want to know what I can plant out and leave with as little attention needed....just so I can get to grips with maintaining a small plot for the time being.
  
  Thanks in advance.

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by thedogcody (U14659366) on Wednesday, 19th October 2011

  This is a big old subject and I would expect others to have many ideas for you-I would make one suggestion-go buy a book-perhaps in a charity shop £2 to £3 --or borrow one from the library
  It is fine to ask for advice on here but it can only be limited without knowing your location and the location of the bed, soil type, preparation you have done etc. how much time you have, your likes and dislikes.
  A book would be something you could constantly refer to and then you can also pick up many tips from here as well.
  I wish you good luck with your endeavours
  

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• Message 3

  , in reply to message 2.

  Posted by kate1123 (U14824475) on Wednesday, 19th October 2011

  There is a poster on here called Tee Gee and he has a really useful website, this is what I think you are looking for.
  
  
  
  I use it a lot and I think that any newbie would find it really helpful.
  
  Apologies to Tee Gee if I have stepped on your toes.

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• Message 4

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Jasmin (U14270220) on Wednesday, 19th October 2011

  Hi,
  
  As a relatively new crop gardener, myself, I agree with the other posters completely.
  
  I have about 30 gardening books, my favourite of which is:
  
  
  I would also offer you two pieces of advice which I found invaluable when I was first starting up:
  1. Go to your local garden centre & mooch around - don't buy anything, necessarily, just look & see what you like & what you don't like - if they have crops, have a look at their labels & see if they would fit your garden, etc. I did this several times before I settled down, so to speak!
  2. The first year, only plant what you like to eat. Forget the 'plant what you can't buy' idea because, if it turns out you don't like what you plant, it'll just put you off trying again. So have a think about what fruit / veg you like - maybe make a list - & then look in a book to see if they fit your garden.
  
  Above all - enjoy!

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• Message 5

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by As_Iff (U13951957) on Wednesday, 19th October 2011

  The best beginner`s book IMO is "The Vegetable and Herb Expert" by Dr. D G Hessayon.
  It is packed with useful information and good diagrams and pictures, and not padded out with any waffle.
  Cost about £6.
  
  Easy things to begin with next spring - new potatoes, garden peas and mint.
  Buy the seed potatoes about February when the garden centres will have them in stock.
  The first peas I ever grew were called Kelvedon Wonder. They were easy and tasty, just follow the instructions on the pack.
  The easiest way to grow mint is to buy a potted plant from Morrison`s, off their fresh herb counter. Then plant it at home, outside, in a bucket.
  Mint spreads a lot over the years, and that is why gardeners often grow it in a container.

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• Message 6

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  Posted by zoomer44 (U14019069) on Thursday, 20th October 2011

  Hi, Welcome to the gardening boards. .
  
  There's no fool proof step by step guide to growing fruit/veg. Alot will depend on the weather, where you live and soil type.
  
  A good start is having a plot or raised bed but alot of stuff can also be grown in pots. Being enthusiastic helps and be prepared for afew set backs.
  
  I'd advise during the first year to grow alittle of alot of different veg varieties and grow what you and your family like to eat.
  
  Fruit bushes are a good investment, they require little care and once picked and pruned come again for many a year. There's a big choice depending on what you like I've 3 different currant bushes, gooseberry and I think bosenberry. These first 4 are all grown in an area 1ft by 10ft. The bosenberry is in the flower bed climbing up the end of a trellis.
  
  TeeGee's almanac is worth putting in your favourites, with lots of good advise about sowing, planting out and harvest times, although you'll soon learn when to harvest.
  
  I've also found having a good source of books helps too.
  
  

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