Plot to p plate
I’ve long dreamed of wandering along the gravel-topped aisles of a capacious walled kitchen garden. Bed after bed of leafy salad veggies, sculptural artichokes, tomato-laden growing frames, and aromatic herbs flanking my journey. A garden bench to relax upon, a charming timber potting shed and a greenhouse tucked into a corner.
My reality is rather different — a backyard of modest size with some raised planters and one veggie bed, although there is a garden bench. What I’ve learned is you can be creative about how you integrate veggies into your outdoor space but what you can’t be is loosey-goosey about proper preparation, placement and planting.
WHY IT MAKES SENSE
The rewards of growing your own veg are abundant. You can eat fresher, tastier produce than you’d buy in the shops, as well as varieties that aren’t available in the supermarket. You can also save on food bills and eschew the use of chemicals.
Go back 10 years or so and typical backyard veggie patch enthusiasts were most likely retired folk and those who wanted to live sustainably. Today, singles, couples, families, retirees — anyone who wants to eat healthier, save a bit of money, reduce their reliance on packaged produce or feel a
