It’s been a long time since we last shared a post…But we’re back, ready to inspire, teach, and most importantly, have fun in the garden again. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting out, we’re here to share our journey—full of successes, mishaps, and plenty of humour along the way. So grab your trowel, dust off those seed packets, and let’s get growing together!
As the days begin to lengthen and the soil starts to warm here in the UK, we’re back with a guide to getting started with growing your own food. Whether you have a small garden, an allotment, or just a few pots on a patio, now is the perfect time to sow the seeds of self-sufficiency. Growing your own produce not only saves money but also brings a sense of satisfaction (and tastier veg!) to your table.
What to Sow This Month – A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re just starting out, don’t worry! Some crops are forgiving and easy to grow, giving you a great harvest with minimal effort. Here’s what you can start sowing right now:
Leafy Greens – The Foolproof Choice
- Lettuce (cut-and-come-again varieties are great for small spaces) Buy lettuce seeds here or Real Seeds Lettuce Selection
- Spinach (pick young leaves for salads or let them grow for cooking) Get spinach seeds or Spinach seeds from Real Seeds
- Rocket (adds a peppery kick to your salads) Rocket seeds available here
These are quick to germinate and can be grown in pots, raised beds, or straight into the soil. Keep them well-watered, and they’ll reward you with fresh leaves in just a few weeks.
Root Veg – A Staple for Any Garden
- Carrots (choose early varieties for faster results) Carrot seeds on sale or Real Seeds Carrot Varieties
- Beetroot (use the leaves in salads while waiting for the roots to grow) Shop beetroot seeds
- Radishes (one of the quickest-growing crops, ready in just a few weeks!) Get radish seeds here
Sow these directly into well-dug soil and thin them out as they grow to give them space to develop.
Peas & Beans – The Easy-Going Legumes
- Mangetout (sweet and delicious, plus no need to shell them!) Mangetout seeds available
- Dwarf French Beans (great for containers) Buy French bean seeds
- Broad Beans (a fantastic crop that thrives in cooler weather) Shop broad bean seeds or Check out Real Seeds broad beans
These crops don’t take up much space and will happily climb up trellises, making them ideal for small gardens.
Herbs – Flavour Without the Fuss
- Parsley (slow to germinate but worth the wait) Parsley seeds available
- Coriander (great for fresh leaves and seeds later in the year) Buy coriander seeds or Real Seeds Coriander (You can also find whole coriander seeds in the spice racks at supermarkets! These are usually viable and will germinate well. Simply soak them overnight and plant them as you would normal coriander seeds. This is a cheap and easy way to grow fresh coriander!)
- Chives (adds flavour to meals and attracts pollinators!) Get chive seeds here
Herbs are a must for any small-scale grower – they add instant flavour to your cooking and thrive in pots. Keep them near the kitchen door for easy access!
How Much Could You Save?
Growing your own produce can lead to significant savings compared to buying from supermarkets like Tesco. For example:
- A bag of mixed salad leaves costs around £1.50, but growing your own lettuce from a packet of seeds costing £2 can provide fresh leaves for months.
- A bundle of fresh herbs costs about £1 per packet, whereas a single pot of parsley or coriander grown at home can keep producing for an entire season.
- A 1kg bag of carrots costs roughly 80p, but a £1.50 packet of seeds can yield several kilos throughout the growing season.
With a small investment in seeds and a bit of care, you could save £10-£20 per month on fresh vegetables alone – and the savings only increase if you preserve surplus produce or swap with friends and family.
A Few Tips for Success
- Don’t overcomplicate things – Start small and grow what you’ll actually eat.
- Use what you have – No need for fancy equipment; old containers, yogurt pots, and window sills work just fine!
- Keep an eye on the weather – A sudden cold snap can damage young seedlings, so be ready to protect them if needed.
- Share the surplus – If you end up with more than you can eat, swap with neighbours or donate to a local food bank.
Time to Get Growing!
This is the month to take the first step towards growing your own food, whether it’s a single pot of herbs or a full vegetable patch. There’s something incredibly satisfying about eating what you’ve grown yourself – and even better when you can share it with friends and family.
What are you sowing this month? Let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear how your garden is growing!
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DIARY OF A NEW GARDENER 