first things first-where to start?

[sindakit]

hi as i announced on the newbie forum this is me starting veg growing and as of today i am a gardner...well almost.

i have a little plot (approx. 2x1m) in the garden that my mum has allowed me to use to try and grow some veg/herbs/fruit we can use. i'm all up for being self sufficient so i thought its best to start now.

So before i go rushing down to the garden centre and grab a bag load of seeds, throw them in the ground and douse them in council juice, what must i do with the soil first as prep. (i know, with most things not just gardening, good prep makes less hassle later) i see people mentioning double digging -what is this
is it turning over the soil, leave it for a period and repeat to "unpack" the earth or is it digging with two spades in one hand!? i don't know

also i have some compost that has been used around the rest of the garden where my mum has planted flowers, grasses etc so thats a check. and i have begun removing all the weeds and stones from that area, but how deep should i work the ground?

ok so imagine i've did the prep etc at this time of year, what plants could i grow successfully before summers out? or shud i concentrate on autumn/winter veg planting at this stage.

i should point out the area gets a lot of sun, i live on top of a South facing hill so there is nothing to block the sun but a fence that runs north-south, so the sun is ther for most of the day. should i protect agianst too much sun or be joyous at the fact my plants will be photosynthesising like crazy?

And finally, raised beds are they significently better than ground planting or is it just a personal preference?


thanks, i know it was a long one but i'd like to know

don't worry there will be lots more questions at a later date

[POTHEAD]

welcome.you can go to the local nursery and see what they have;lettuce,radish etc will be fine for you to plant seeds

[Chickenjane]

Originally Posted by sindakit

hi as i announced on the newbie forum this is me starting veg growing and as of today i am a gardner...well almost.

No! you are a gardener. Be confident.

i have a little plot (approx. 2x1m) in the garden that my mum has allowed me to use to try and grow some veg/herbs/fruit we can use. i'm all up for being self sufficient so i thought its best to start now.

So before i go rushing down to the garden centre and grab a bag load of seeds, throw them in the ground and douse them in council juice, what must i do with the soil first as prep. (i know, with most things not just gardening, good prep makes less hassle later) i see people mentioning double digging -what is this
is it turning over the soil, leave it for a period and repeat to "unpack" the earth or is it digging with two spades in one hand!? i don't know
love the image
It's when you dig down one spit (spade's blade) & remove that soil. then you dig it a second spit down. Move to the next bit of ground, remove the 1st spit putting it in the hole from the first etc. It's a real fag, but quite possible on a small bit of land & if the soil is heavy &/or compacted it's well worth it. If you them go for a deep bed system & don't walk on it you won't ever have to do it again & as you build up the soil with compost mulch etc the top soil will get deeper & better. Ina plot your size I'd be inclined to go for a raised bed unless your soil is v light. amazing how productive the small area will be.
also i have some compost that has been used around the rest of the garden where my mum has planted flowers, grasses etc so thats a check. and i have begun removing all the weeds and stones from that area, but how deep should i work the ground?

ok so imagine i've did the prep etc at this time of year, what plants could i grow successfully before summers out? or shud i concentrate on autumn/winter veg planting at this stage.
I'd concentrate on what you think you'd most enjoy. avoid Caulis as they're not easy, avoid spuds as they take up space. Go for a mix of saladings incl lettuce,beetroot,radish,spring onions etc. Or try a few toms & roots .Carrots are just SO much better straight from the plot. fennel, kohl rabi, spinach or swiss chard. None take up too much space & all harvest fairly quickly. try broccoli, some varieties keep producing secondary tertiary etc shoots after the main head & you can keep on picking from the plant for months.
Next year when you've got the bug you'll be able to beg more space from your mum, extend your range & thus your season of productivity. When you eat your fist home grown sweet corn you'll be hooked for life

i should point out the area gets a lot of sun, i live on top of a South facing hill so there is nothing to block the sun but a fence that runs north-south, so the sun is ther for most of the day. should i protect agianst too much sun or be joyous at the fact my plants will be photosynthesising like crazy?
Be joyous! some veg will tolerate semi shade eg climbing beans, parsnips, but they all do better in full sun

And finally, raised beds are they significently better than ground planting or is it just a personal preference?
I'm a raised bed fan. You don;twaste any cultiated ground by walking on it & also can reduce the spacing between the crops to what the plants need ,not what your feet need


thanks, i know it was a long one but i'd like to know

don't worry there will be lots more questions at a later date

hope this has helped.