Potatoes in Raised Beds: A Growing Guide for Success

The idea of growing our own vegetables and herbs is gaining popularity in the UK (possibly thanks to Felicity Kendal and ‘The Good Life’ circa 1975). However, not all of us have access to a garden, especially in large cities. So, what can you do if you would like to grow some veggies at home, but don’t have a garden or much space to work with? Don’t worry, you can still put those green fingers to good use!

Photo by Agence Producteurs Locaux Damien Kühn on Unsplash

The growing season might be in full swing, but there are still ways to upgrade your garden game. From keeping out unwanted pests (or pets) to building your own customized trellising and irrigation—it’s time to make your beds work smarter, not harder. We’ve got five ways to customize your planters this summer that will not only make things look fantastic, but will take your growing capabilities to the next level. Whether you choose to tackle them all or just add one to your list of weekend to-dos, I promise it will be a noticeable refresh with rewarding results. 

Veg Seed Sowing Plans for May To ensure a continuous harvest throughout the summer rather than a glut successional sowing of salads, radishes, beetroots, carrots, autumn giant leeks and spring onions and peas should continue. Sow basil, particularly alongside tomato seedlings to help draw white fly away plus spinach, rocket and ornamental salad leaves. Globe Artichokes and Swiss Chard for looks as well as food. Pole, French and above all Runner Beans Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Savoy Cabbage, Kale and Calabrese

Several companies manufacturers produce raised beds kits for gardens. Marmax products make their raised beds from recycled  High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and donated this set to the library and learning centre at RHS Harlow Carr when it was new. Hard wearing, long lasting and doing its bit for recycling this use of plastic in the garden is to be admired.

Lateral thinking can get fresh garden produce down the little darlings throats. The Ribena tree or apple juice tree can create drinks and breakfast cereal additions. Many veg can go in a blender or be added to favourite dishes in small quantities disguised as necessary.

One of the reasons why the Hoya pubicalyx is so popular among plant enthusiasts is its ease of upkeep. It is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing requirements. Keep on reading to know all the details!

It’s not often that a perennial comes along that can be described (just like Mary Poppins) as practically perfect in every way. But that is a practically perfect description for ‘Millenium’ allium. Close to foolproof, ‘Millenium’ is super drought tolerant and grows from a group of small bulbs packed together in a large clump. Plants have a compact, upright habit with grassy leaves and a profusion of large 2-inch, lavender-pink drumstick flower heads that bloom for up to a month or more in mid- to late summer. ‘Millenium’ allium (Allium hybrid) Type Perennial Blooms Large 2-in. bright rosy-purple rounded clusters in mid- to late summer Light Full sun Soil Well-d

Want to know How Do Peanuts Grow? Let’s explore the ins and outs of how to cultivate these wonder nuts – from planting to harvesting!

If you are someone who loves to see veggies grow fast, then you must check out these delicious and Fast Growing Vegetables For Quick Harvest!

Of all the questions I get asked as a gardening expert, “How often should I water my garden?” easily cracks the top 10. It can be difficult to get watering frequency, watering amounts, and even watering methods just right. But doing so is critical to your success, as they influence everything from the flavor and storage capacity of the food you grow to the size and timing of blooms on perennial plants. There are plenty of tools and techniques to help you get a handle on how often you should water and how you can deliver the right amount of water when and where your plants need it. If you’ve ever wondered ‘How often should I water my garden?’ we’ve got the answers! Keep reading to learn when and how long to water.

Raised beds are a common way to grow edible and floral plants when either space is limited, bending down to the surface of the native soil is a challenge, when the present soil is not healthy/ compacted or non-existent (ex. concrete), or used for simply aesthetic purposes (window boxes). For more information, see HGIC 1257, Raised Beds