Learning

I love the way you are always learning when growing. Here’s eight lessons from the last twelve months (May 2010 – May 2011) from the Vertical Veg balcony and window sills. 1.The most valuable and productive crops were: salad (£330), tomatoes (£250), and herbs (£133). Runner beans (£47) and courgettes (£25) also produced good yields [...]

The target to grow £500 food this year on my small balcony and window sills (see Growing Diary) was beaten on 10 September. By 8 October, the total was up to £669 / 66 kg. A more detailed breakdown will follow at the end of the year – but for now I thought you might [...]

Alexis Rowell’s balcony garden   Seeing Alexis Rowell’s lush and burgeoning growing area, it’s hard to believe that five years ago he never imagined he’d get into gardening. From small beginnings, he now cultivates all three balconies on his first floor flat, the communal entrance steps, and part of the neighbour’s front garden. Containers, filled [...]

There are so many good reasons to grow your own veg. These include having fresh, healthy food on your doorstep, and the simple joy of growing your own. But can growing at home also save you money? To find out, I’m going to estimate the value of the produce I grow, and update this regularly [...]