Growing Vegetables
Blanching
The practice of excluding light form parts of plants, so as to make vegetables such as celery, leeks, chicory and seakale sweeter ...
light, sweet taste | Overwintering
Over the winter growth of many plants and wildlife slows right down. Mammals often hibernate, and plants come to a stand still. Bu...
| Bolt
Vegetables which quickly go to flower rather than producing the food crop. Usually caused by late planting and too warm temperatur...
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Getting Started - Position.
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Sunny, Shady, Windy - choosing the right position can make a huge difference to your yeald.
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A sunny disposition
With few exceptions vegetables will grow best in a sunny position. However, crops like
endive, lettuce, radicchio, peas and spinach will grow in more shady areas.
You can attempt to grow any type of vegetable anywhere if you do not an ideal sunny spot,
but they are unlikely to reach their full potential.
Shelter
Shelter from cold and strong winds is always beneficial, especialy for vegetables like
peas and beans and essential for crops like aubergines and peppers.
Competition
Avoid planting near large trees and hedges, not only can this put your crops in the shade but
they may also reduce the amount of water and nutrients available for your vegetables.
Planning
Gardens can be too small and you may not have enough time to grow everything you whould like.
Think carefully about which fruit and vegetables to grow
Find out more about planning here
Soil Type
Light and Sandy, Heavy Clay...?
Find out more about soil types here
Soil Preparation
Manure, Compost, Leafmould, Composted Bark, Mushroom Compost.
Find out more about soil preparation here