Self-sufficiency from the comfort of your own home

Becoming self-sufficient has become something of a worldwide phenomenon in recent years. Everyone is picking up their needles to knit winter clothing essentials and taking up growing their own vegetables. It’s a way of life that has been re-introduced into modern society and we couldn’t be happier. We have regained a sense of pride; being able to say I made that.

However, some of us may feel that we don’t have enough space to grow our own, but did you know that it is just as easy to grow fruit and vegetables inside as on an allotment or in a raised bed? The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a kitchen garden, for example you can grow:

• Herbs on the kitchen windowsill
• Vegetables in containers or grow bags on the balcony
• Food in hanging baskets
• Vegetables in containers that are placed to make a focal point in conservatories

There is so much that you can do, and if you can find that corner or spare windowsill, nothing could be more rewarding than growing fresh vegetables for the family to enjoy. So what can you grow inside? Well, why not try your hand at tending to some:

• Tomatoes
• French beans
• Lettuce and salad leaves
• Herbs
• Runner beans
• Zucchini
• Peppers
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Eggplants
• Potatoes
• Cucumber
• Strawberries

When you can grow these superb fruit and vegetables will depend on their growing season and how much sunlight or shade your intended position receives. If you are ever unsure on how to grow certain vegetables always refer to the back of the seed packet, or ask a staff member at your local garden centre.

So now that you know where you can grow your vegetables and what types you can tend to, next on the agenda is how to prepare your chosen growing method.

Grow bags

These clever and convenient grow bags are often used to grow potatoes, but there are many other vegetables that love the dark surrounding of a grow bag. Herbs, cucumbers, lettuces, peppers, strawberries, French beans and tomatoes can all be grown using this method.

The great thing about grow bags is that they already come with soil, so all that’s left for you to do is plump and shake it about to loosen the compost and cut some holes for drainage and planting.

Tip: If placing the grow bag inside you may want to put a tray underneath so it catches any water.

Containers on balconies or in conservatories

Containers are excellent things, they can be placed wherever you would like and can easily create a focal point. Why not grow some French or runner beans, lettuces, peppers, tomatoes, carrots or eggplants and master the edible container?

To successfully grow vegetables in containers the key lies in drainage. Prepare the pot by adding a layer of broken pot or stones and then add approximately 10cm of compost (this will depend on the vegetable you’re growing). Firm the compost and water well, leaving it to drain for about an hour before planting or sowing. Make sure that you leave enough room between each plant or seed, so it can grow to its full potential, and finish by layering some more compost.

Hanging baskets on balconies or in conservatories

Although hanging baskets are often used to showcase the beautiful blooms of flowers, they can also be used to grow a variety of vegetables such as lettuce, salad leaves, tomatoes, herbs and small chilli peppers.

All that is required when creating works of hanging basket art is to fill half of the bowl with compost (multi-purpose is preferred), add some water retaining gels and make planting holes. Some vegetables may need separating and some (if a trailing variety) are best placed by the edge. Place the rootball in the desired position, add compost and firm; repeat this for each plant. Cover the basket with more compost, water well and hang.

Tip: To really make a statement why not grow some flowers in and amongst the vegetables?

Mr McGregor

Mr McGregor is a popular writer for Notcutts who specialise in offering gardening advice and providing useful tips for first time growers. Notcutts has recently crafted their very own Tomato Feed to offer gardeners a cost effective way of growing healthy yields.