Home Growing



February though to April marks the start of the growing calendar. For any enthusiastic cook or gardener, this is the time to be growing for the table through the summer and autumn months. It will also give a huge sense of achievement knowing you have cared and nurtured your plants from seed to picking the first ripened fruit. 

I believe the tastes of what you grow can differ massively from what you buy in supermarkets. The vegetables and fruits have been picked days in advance then stored then sold. This takes away a lot of the characteristics of the produce bought. Home grown however you have the exciting time of picking the produce at the right time and when it is at its best. Nothing beats picking the first peas when they're tender and sweet, a lot of them will not even see the kitchen in our house. The same go's for the first strawberries, picked at their peak when juicy and flavour full. Bittersweet blackberries bursting in the mouth in later summer. Currants in the glistering morning dew shine like jewels, they are great for cordials, jellies and sorbets. Lifting the potatoes and carrots out the ground and waiting to see all the funny shapes and sizes. These are just some of my favourite moments during the growing year. The bountiful produce that comes out of the garden really helps with flavourful cooking, it is inspiring to know you have grown it. Using broad beans for a bruschetta with bacon is simple. The broad beans have a sweet bitterness that works well with the smokey bacon and crisp bread, drizzled with a little olive oil and a scattering of mint.

 

Growing your own also helps you stay in tune with the seasons. what's in season now and helps you make that decision at the supermarket, what should I be buying and when.

 

Sowing/planting is a great way to give back to nature and the rewards are even better. Grow simple things to start with like peas, beans, Swiss chard, potatoes and carrots. Even fruit trees and shrubs are simple starters, such as blackberries, currants, raspberries, cherries, apples and pears. There is a chance you will get the growing bug. So a tip I would suggest is, never grow more than you can handle this one applies to me. We only have a normal sized garden with a lawn and patio. By utilising the space you can grow as much as you like. Even if you only have a little apartment you can make use of the small spaces provided. The instructions on seed packs are very informative and a good guide to have. Potting seeds in things like tins and egg trays are a great recycling method. The compost should be free draining and always keep your seedlings in a warm sunny spot, or indoors until the last frost.