alih Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 We are about to install a raised bed approx 6 x 3 ft in our now-partially-salvaged-from-chickens garden. Neither of us have grown our own before and I would like to ask what you would recommend for a family with 4 growing and healthy eating children.... most importantly, I have absolutely no idea when things should be sown...so ideas for sowing between now and September would be especially welcome. Thanks very much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 I use an on line shop called moreveg a lot, they supply small amounts of seeds for those that don't want 2000 carrots They have a monthly collection of seeds for sowing, normally its £2.50 for 6 packs of seeds so its cheap and you know they are suitable for sowing at the time you buy them which takes the planning out of it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Ooooh, I LIKE that site - how very handy & useful it is And you can pay by Paypal. Just bought the August sowing pack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Fantastic site - many thanks for that bookmarked for again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted August 23, 2009 Author Share Posted August 23, 2009 sounds great, will have a look, thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Sorry to hijack your thread Ali but we don't have any veg beds however I do have three of the Ikea potato bags. Could I grow the August seeds in these? ta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 You wouldnt get many cabbages in one but for more upright leafy greens like chard and also for carrots they would be ok. I am not sure if the cold would affect them more in bags though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 Great site Tasha. **Click** I've just ordered the Autumn pack and the Autumn Oriental treat pack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 If I don't have time (read 'forgotten') to sow seeds then I order plant packs from www.delfland.co.uk - excellent quality, organic, plants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 6' by 3' is a nice size, not so big it's unmanageable, but big enough to be worthwhile! IMO it's worth concentrating on the things you and your family like to eat, which are better fresh, are difficult to buy, or are expensive, particualrly given that it's not an enormous veg patch (though I'm sure everyone feels there's is too small, even if it extends to acres!). If you do it as a riased or deep bed then you can cram loads more in as you won't need to leave gaps/paths for access - 3' wide means you can reach over it without walking on the soil. It's also worth trying to sow in succession, say a week apart so you don't end up with 500 cabbages all ready at the same time (an exaggeration, but you know how I mean!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 Great site Tasha. **Click** I've just ordered the Autumn pack and the Autumn Oriental treat pack. I'm impressed....they arrived this morning...., beautifully packaged andwith a hand written note! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 Whoops. My finger slipped and I ordered more seeds. I agree with chickenanne. Sow what you like. Little and often is the key. I like radishes, but 70 radishes all at ones is a bit much. Maybe section off the bed with bamboo canes to give your self smaller areas to concentrate on? A few winter lettuces in one, overwintering broad beans in another etc Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 6' by 3' is a nice size, not so big it's unmanageable, but big enough to be worthwhile! IMO it's worth concentrating on the things you and your family like to eat, which are better fresh, are difficult to buy, or are expensive, particualrly given that it's not an enormous veg patch (though I'm sure everyone feels there's is too small, even if it extends to acres!). If you do it as a riased or deep bed then you can cram loads more in as you won't need to leave gaps/paths for access - 3' wide means you can reach over it without walking on the soil. It's also worth trying to sow in succession, say a week apart so you don't end up with 500 cabbages all ready at the same time (an exaggeration, but you know how I mean!). Oh I was in Wickes today and saw some railway sleepers(not the real McCoy but chunky wood) OH said he would build me a veg bed..now I will as they sleepers were great value and I have so much horse manure. I hadnt thought about making it narrow to lean over. Am going to get going on this now and go to the seasonal seed site,...that sounds a brilliant idea Thank you indie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 If I don't have time (read 'forgotten') to sow seeds then I order plant packs from http://www.delfland.co.uk - excellent quality, organic, plants. I very much second your commendation, Lesley. I have been very pleased with both the plants and the customer service from Delfland. As much as I would like to endorse Wiggly Wigglers (who do offer plantlets from elsewhere), they have the worst customer service I've ever encountered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Another fan of Moreveg here Ordered their September Pack on Friday, and the seeds were all sown by mid-day on Saturday!! As long as the Chickens and the Slugs leave them alone, I will have all sorts of exciting goodies soon... Most of which I would not have thought of had I not seen the seed packs!! (I don't work for them, I promise... ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
