We have a relatively small area for growing.
We like all vegetables and fruit but as it is our first time at growing to eat.
Can some one tell us what will 'probably' grow without failure and what takes up the smallest space for the biggest harvest please.
We thought we would try to grow things that are expensive in the shops. So we may skip on basic potatoes onions carrots and cabbages. Type of things and try and get something more exotic.
What can you suggest please.
Courgettes and runner beans are nearly always prolific growers unless you are very unlucky.
Sweet corn is lovely/Plant in blocks. :)
If space is limited, grow in tubs also. Grow climbing french or runner beans up the walls and lower growing veg/fruit in front.
Try a *Three Sisters Bed*...Climbing french beans grown up sweet corn, with courgettes, out door cukes or squash grown under neath to keep the weeds down.
http://www.theorganicreport.com/pages/519_the_three_sisters_corn_beans_and_squash_activities_for_the_classroom.cfm
Lauren
My Runner Beans in tubs, last year
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa42/ElleEss_photos/GardenMay25th009.jpg)
If you like Physalis (Cape Gooseberries) these can be grown very successfully in pots. Go for the smaller varieties though. My favourite is the pineapple one, sometimes called golden berry I think. Alpine Strawberries are also great. Good luck. :)
G x
Any sort of climbing bean is a good bet. And courgettes. And if space is limited, why not grow cucumbers & squash vertically as well.
Herbs are a must. And some sort(s) of salads. You can buy them in the shops, but they can't compare. And early carrots in a tub of some kind. (Don't just sow them early, but 2 or 3 batches throughout the year.)
And I'd always go for at least a couple of tomato plants. They're not the easiest thing to grow, and blight is always a problem, but you won't be able to buy anything remotely like it in a shop! (Go for a decent variety, though!)
Try growing quick growing catch crops like radish and lettuce, then you can reuse the space a few time during the year. Also cut and come again crops such as lettuce will give a good yield for the space used.
new potatoes will grow well in a container..many varieties available, very expensive when they first hit the shops and not as tasty ;D