Growing long white leeks is probably the most rewarding prize for any passionate gardener, but there are so many tricks to get to grips with that knowing how to grow big leeks can feel more than a little overwhelming. The first time I grew leeks I was at university, with my first allotment. After seven…
When we grew onions for the first time we didn’t end up with the best results, because although this seemingly easy to grow vegetable comes in several different forms for gardeners to cultivate, choosing the right one at the very start can mean the difference between success and failure. The most heartbreaking moment is when…
Nothing makes me happier than purchasing more and more packets of seeds. Looking through all those colourful sachets showing vegetables and flowers at their best, with new and exciting varieties that promise tastier, more reliable crops being bred all the time. ‘Do I really need that packet of seed?’ Is a question I should ask…
The humble potato is an essential part of our western diets, and it’s quickly replacing grain as a major crop worldwide. And for good reason – potatoes grow faster and do well in worse conditions than grain, not to mention that they’re far more nutritious (think half an adult’s daily dose of vitamin C for…
Peas are some of the easiest and most exciting crops to grow in your garden. They’re among the first spring crops to pop up and their hardy seedlings can easily withstand light frost and cold spells. You can sow pea seeds directly in the ground or undercover and they should provide you with a steady supply of pea shoots and pea pods.
Sweet potatoes will grow however you tell them to, as long as you understand their basic nature, and growing sweet potatoes in raised beds is a great place to start if you have the space to spare. Our guide to sweet potato container gardening has all the steps on getting started, whatever sized space you’re…