3:58pm Sunday 7th February 2010
By Ann Janes
We are told that we are now out of the recession, well just. For most people money is still tight and it makes sense to make the most of what money we have, and also make full use of what assets we may have, ie garden space.
As an added bonus, not only do home grown fruit and vegetables taste better, they are both cheaper and part of a healthier lifestyle, as well as having the benefits of working in the fresh air and getting exercise.
Why not turn a sunny part of your garden into a vegetable patch? It needn’t be large. You will be surprised just how much produce it will yield. Of course it needs some planning and some hard work but the results are well worth the time and effort.
They taste heaps better than shop bought produce, that may have been flown half way round the world, and they are cheaper too. It may still be winter but spring is just around the corner, so now is a good time to start some serious planning.
However hard it may seem now is the ideal time to prepare the ground of your chosen plot. Wait for a frost free day when the soil isn’t too soggy and make a start.
Take it slowly, particularly if digging is a new experience to you, and do a bit at a time. Clear the plot of both perennial and any annual weeds that are hanging on, break up big clumps of earth and rake over. Early preparation makes it much easier when you are ready to start sowing seeds later on.
A friend who last year grew carrots in a big pot is still talking in wonder at the flavour and quantity she was able to grow. This year she is planning on a few more pots and a selection of different vegetables. I did warn you some time ago that gardening can be addictive!
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