2021 was our first year of setting up our veg plot and we planted every seed going to experiment as to what grows well in our soil and the weather conditions we expect up here. The lockdowns proved to be very useful and help us focus on the growing season but we did find there were supply shortages, bath in building supplies and seeds/plants. We had great results with our carrots and onions but the rhubarb died before it even got going and the potatoes (can you believe it) did not thrive!

This year we have focused on developing a productive kitchen garden by only planting items we eat on a regular basis and not planting too much. Last year we planted a out of pumpkins and squash’s but they took over the plot area and didn’t grow fully as a result. I plan on fencing the area where the rhubarb will be based so the children don’t stand on it. I’m also hoping to fencing in the chicken area too. Last year, lettuce has been the most successful product from my garden, but we couldn’t eat it fast enough, I would like to produce all the lettuce we use all year round so this is going to be something I’ll focus on. 

So this year we will be growing – strawberries, raspberries and blueberries just like last year. Rhubarb we will be trying again. As well as:

Onions

Shallots

Lettuce

Broccoli

Sweetcorn

Potatoes

Cucumbers

Parsnips

Sugar snaps

Runner beans

Carrots

Spinach

Pumpkins

Tomatoes

Sweet potatoes

Garlic

Sunflowers

Rocket

Red cabbage

We have a lot of seeds left over from last year but I need to purchase runner beans, carrots, Sweetcorn, garlic, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, cucumber , tomatoes and red cabbage this time round.

Im hoping to try ways to reduce the cost of running my garden by making my own compost, improving yields through better watering & nutrition management and extending the growing year. I aim for 2022 to be a year I take my hobby more seriously to see where it could take me and connect with like-minded people who share a love for gardening and all the good stuff that comes from it.

Much love Rebecca