Single hen

[PurpleHen]

This year I AM going to grow more veggies.

 

Oh yes - me too. Grew some for the first time this year and would really like to do more this time round.

[The Dogmother]

I had a problem with my veggies last year They all got some sort of fly and died. I didn't want to use chemicals on them - anybody got any tips?

[Guest]

We'll join you in veg growing as well

 

We have just decided to put a very small veg plot in the garden and herb pots at the front of the house (as it has sun most of the day) and is away from prying chucks

 

It is amazing what green changes we have made since having the girls

[PurpleHen]

and herb pots at the front of the house (as it has sun most of the day) and is away from prying chucks

 

What a great idea - hadn't thought of that, think that's where I'll put my herbs this year

[AnnieP]

OK: SO, growing veggies is a theme here. I haven't got a clue where to start: My previous experience is a couple of rhubarb crowns (they're coming up already ), courgettes (in a flower bed alongside flowers) and runner beans (ditto).

I might have a go at making some raised beds.....

 

Ideas anyone?

 

I'm going to split this post and put it in the self sufficient bit.....

[The Dogmother]

We'll join you in veg growing as well

 

We have just decided to put a very small veg plot in the garden and herb pots at the front of the house (as it has sun most of the day) and is away from prying chucks

 

It is amazing what green changes we have made since having the girls

 

That's a good idea Debs. Mine are in a belfast sink outside the back door, but they got savaged by the chooks, so they're now covered in chicken wire, which isn't pretty but does the job.

[kazaddress]

I am doing this too.

 

I have alan titchmashe gardening year book.. if you like I could pop on at the begininning of each month, and say whet he recomends planting / harvesting / planting out?

 

would that help motivate a few peeps?

[Nicola H]

Kaz that would be a great help for all us veg growing novices, I never know when you should start things off and plant out .........I plan to dig up a bit more garden to grow more veg., each year my plot gets a little bit bigger so OH doesn't notice.......

 

Annie I was thinking of doing raised beds with some of that plastic planking that clips together.............

[Lesley]

If you're all making fairly small plots, you could take a look at the thread I started some time ago on Square Foot Gardening.........

 

I'll see if I can find it.

[AnnieP]

That's exactly what I was thinking of Lesley, I bought this book when it was beign discussed on the forum, then we had to move out whilst the builders were here...

Nicola, I think I might be in luck with the beds, as I know OH has a stash of telegraph poles in one of our barns. ... Might be able to do the retaining sides of the raised beds in these. Not sure how I'm going to cut through them though

[theherd123]

I think I might be in luck with the beds, as I know OH has a stash of telegraph poles in one of our barns. ...

 

Ive heard about collecting stamps but this is going just too far!!!

[ubereglu]

I think I'll join in with the vegetable idea too. ONLY vegetables though-I don't like fruit!!!

[Trish]

Annie just be careful that the posts haven't been treated with creosote as it can leach into the soil and do harm to your plants. Doubt it would do you much good either.

[theherd123]

Good point Trish and its such a nightmare if you get it on your clothes too!

 

Not that you will be gardening in your Sunday best mind!

[Trish]

Oh but I always do Emma

[theherd123]

I can see you now Trish in your nice tweed suit with brown leather ankle boots and a lovely hat, white parasol close by for the midday sun too!

[Trish]

And my hand knitted shawl of course Emma

[AnnieP]

And her gardener, Ned, following behind her at a respectful distance, awaiting her orders.......

 

Thanks for the warning Trish, but these posts are so old, I would imagine that all creosote would have long been absorbed.

[Charlottechicken]

I am up for this, I have tried to grow veggies before, I remember sweetcorn being a particularly spectacular failure, and I don't think carrots grow too well round here I had success with garlic, and strawberries grow like weeds.

 

I will have to stick some veggies in amongst the plants and flowers as my veggie patch has shrunk since the arrival of the chickens, but I understand that some flowers will help certain veggies see off pests and disease.

[Chickpea]

Well since the arrival of the chickadees meant they would be living where my old veg patch was, I've gotten to take over even more of the garden! (tho my parents don't mind with all the fresh veg & eggs etc.) I'm currently clearing space in what was an overgrown s"Ooops, word censored!" of a herb garden into a raised bed system, so I'll get four seperate plots for different veggies, and still grow herbs on the edges, oh I can't wait!

 

Anyway, I thought I should recommend a new book that has come out and is excellent: Grow Your Own Veg! by Carol Klein, I think it's accompanying a tv prog that starts tonight (BBC2 8:30pm)

[Chickpea]

Sorry just read the other notice Nicola H left saying about the book & programme! The book is out now though, I got it last friday in Waterstones and it is very readable and full of gorgeous photographs, only thing missing in these pictures is the sight of an eglu!

[Martin B]

Back in a bit...

[AnnieP]

eh? Martin? Are you alright??

[The Dogmother]

Probably got a jippy tum from his holiday

[AnnieP]