Any Vegetable Growers Out There?

[mazie]

We are the process of clearing out an old wooded area and converting it into a Veg plot. I've never grown veg before apart from runner beans. I need help. I have a few questions if you don't mind.The finished area will be approx 100 sq Mtrs.

The soil appears to be very rich in leaf mould and looks lovely. Will I need to enrich the soil in anyway and if so, with what?

I've pretty much sorted out the veg I want to grown come next spring. Is there anything I can put in to start growing now (well in about a weeks time)?

I will be planting a couple of fruit trees as well. A cooking Apple and a Damson. Any variety suggestions would be appreciated?

No doubt I will be back for more help. Thank you x

[paddywak]

Mazie,when I used to do bit of gardening with my Dad we used to plant spuds in April-May when could expect frost free conditions.Dad used to put the seed potatoes in egg boxes under the bed to "Chitt" i.e start to sprout then out they'd go,he'd also always plant all his spuds at one time, 1st,2nd, mains as he always said that they matured at different rates whenever you planted them.

[mazie]

Thanks for that tip. The 3 types were confusing me a little. We've started saving our egg boxes. I thought they need plenty of light to help them Chit?

[paddywak]

I'm not really an expert Mazie,but Dad was and that's what he always did.We lived in a colliery village and all the gardens were huge with most people keeping a few chickens and growing their own fruit and veg (not many freezers about in those days). When I started drinking in the Welfare I found gardening was one of the major conversation points and it's amazing what you can learn when you get a few old boys sat round talking over a pint.

[mazie]

I'll try that then...thank you. X

[woofgang]

mazie. for chutneys I would choose a sharpish flavoured one. The great thing about cooking with eaters, as well as flavour, is that they tend to stay entire instead of collapsing to fluff. Do your research. If you are only having one, you want self fertile...do you want one that will store or will you harvest and use at once? skin colour? size? so rootstock? early variety or late? and look at disease resistance.
I have just bought Monty Don's latest book for my ipad and its a complete winner....very chatty and a ton of good sensible advice....might be worth a look?

[paddywak]

Mazie, if you want an eating apple I can recommend the Hereford Russet. We've got one on dwarf stock that normally crops very well in the autumn not the prettiest looking apple but you'll have to travel a long way to find a better tasting one

[paddywak]

We've also got a dwarf stocked cherry tree ,a Stella, which is also a great cropper.

[mazie]

Thanks so much woof and paddy, some great advice and just what I was hoping for. I'll look into apple trees and make a decision. I'll also have a look at the monty dom book. I really want a damson tree. We love damson jam and they seem really difficult to source around here. Thank you again. Great help :0) x

[Togo]

Mazie if you can tell me where I can get a tin of Damsons, you are in credit for ever.

[mazie]

Good luck with that one Togo. When I get the damson tree going I'll make you some Jam that's the best I can offer x

[Chipchopper]

Hi Mazie,
I like Quioi's idea of growing fruiting trees and shrubs, I have a feeling they may do well in that environment.
You might like to explore the possibilities of 'permaculture' too.

[mazie]

Me too Chip. Will be growing raspberries and a couple of fruit trees to start with. I fear I have a lot to learn. I'll have a look at permaculture. I'll try and be as green as I can. X

[woofgang]

interesting stuff here about food forests
https://spiralseed.co.uk/making-forest-garden/

[woofgang]

loads of damson trees online Mazie. I get some really good stuff from ebay

[mazie]

Me too Woof. It's where I buy all my seeds and plug plants... Going to have a look round e bay after bake off. Xx

[alavahalf]

Dont think anyone has mentioned that now is the time to plant garlic and try some onion sets at the same time. They will winter it out quite happily.
You already know about broad beans, the ones sown now will be early and be less prone to blackfly.
Put some strawberries in now and you will be more likely to get some fruit from them next year as they will be already established in the spring.
The winter as far as I'm concerned is all about taking a break from growing on the allotment. The only things left growing can look after themselves.
During next spring and summer you can think about planting the folowing winters veg.. cabbage, kale, sprouts, leeks etc.
Last sunday I picked the very last tomatoes of the season .. before you know it the spring wil be on us and it is time to start planning again.

[mazie]

Thank you alavahalf.... Really looking forward to the spring. I'll be back then asking for more advice. X

[horseshoes]

Hi Mazie, I too had a new veggie garden last season. I had 3 raised beds built.
1) potatoes one end and courgettes at t'other
2) salad stuff one end and strawberries t'other end
3) Dahlias (ok I know they're not veg, but they were beautiful.

I also grew peas and beans in old Belfast sinks.

I was hoping to plant an apple tree and perhaps a plum tree. Off we went to the garden centre to buy a self fertile tree, only to be told we'd need two. I said, "but I thought self fertile meant I didn't need more than one". Only if there are other trees in the vicinity I was told. I got that confused by it all, that I didn't get ANY trees. Hopefully this year I'll get some. Good luck - I hope you get as much pleasure (and soup) as I've had.

[woofgang]

I think he might have been confused (or trying to get you to buy more trees!) self fertile trees are just that and you only need one!

[mazie]

Hi Horseshoes. Glad it's going so well for you. Yes, we're soup lovers so can't wait. I've got a list of the stuff I want to grow and I've had some great advice today, really helped me. Listen to Woofgang with regard to your trees. And.... have a look on E-bay for them too. x