Gardeners’ Question Time
Anne Swithinbank
A keen fruit, veg and house plant grower, Anne was formerly the glasshouse supervisor at RHS Garden Wisley.
Ashley Edwards
As a head gardener with charity Horatio’s Garden, Ashley enjoys spreading his love of plants to others.
Pippa Greenwood
Pippa is one of the foremost experts on pests and diseases. She gardens using organic methods.
Q How can I plan my new garden for fruit and veg?
Tim Croker, Chepstow
A ASHLEY SAYS Plan your garden around the sun. If you are wanting to grow fruit and veg, then these should be in the warmest, sunniest part of your garden. You could consider using raised planters for easier access and deeper rooting.
Along your fences you can grow espalier fruit trees, which will look attractive but also save space. Apple, pear, plum, nectarine and fig trees all respond well to being trained up against a fence or wall.
In the shadier spots you can grow leafy veg like spinach and lettuce alongside herbs such as parsley, mint and fennel. Turf is high maintenance and not very exciting to look at, so why not grow a wildflower patch and mow pathways through it? You’ll attract a whole host of wildlife to your garden and it will flower throughout the summer.
Most importantly, plan where to position your chair, to sit and watch it all grow.
A As soon as early autumn brings cooler temperatures and moist soil, I recommend forking or digging, removing any stones or rubble, and then treading and raking the surface,
