We had a year away from growing food in 2024. There was so much going on clearing my Mum’s house and helping her move, as well as DIY we wanted to get on with, it seemed best not to give ourselves any more jobs. This year, however, with food prices as high as they are and a sense that the world has started to come off its hinges, it’s time to get back to the garden.
Our garden is not large enough to grow enough food to feed ourselves, and we don’t have time to do that. But we have enough space to grow enough to make a dent in our grocery bill.
The greenhouse challenge
Yesterday we re-assembled my dad’s old plastic greenhouse. This was fun, as we had no instructions and it was a puzzle. Luckily, Mr Shoestring is the practical one in this relationship. He never reads instructions anyway!
He put it together and pulled it apart again, scratched his head, swore a bit, tried this and that and eventually, after about four hours, it was a greenhouse!
Incidentally, I found this very same greenhouse on the Wilko website on clearance for £38, if you are planning to grow some food this year but don’t want to spend a lot of cash getting started (not an affiliate link).
Making mini propagators
Whilst he was doing the difficult stuff, I was busy making mini propagators from the clear plastic trays Archie’s meat comes in, and sowing vegetable and herb seeds.
I was pleased with this piece of reuse. Saving theses trays has really reduced the amount of plastic that goes in our recycling.
This is what I have sown so far:
- Parsley
- Cress
- Tomatoes
- Red peppers
- Chilli peppers
- Thyme
- Leeks
- Aubergines
- Cucumbers
- Runner beans
- American land cress – never tried this!
- Chives
Most of these are on windowsills around the house, with a few bits in the greenhouse.
I found a lovely British organic seed company called Ethical Organic Seeds, and most of my seeds have come from them this year.
Still to buy
I still need to buy courgette and squash seeds, and some fruit canes; we are thinking pink gooseberry and raspberry for now.
We have decided against produce that is cheap to buy and takes up a lot of space, so won’t be growing potatoes, onions or carrots.
I loved spending time outside now that winter is finally moving along. It has been such a beautiful weekend. Spring really is on the way. Making time to get back to the garden will be good for our physical and mental health, I think.
How about you? What are you growing this year?
If you enjoyed this post, you might like Saving Money in the Garden: 15 Budget Gardening Tips.
Shelagh A Tillott says
So glad to see you doing this Jane! Every little bit helps! I only have a small growing area but I’m bumping up my planting this year. As far as potatos, you can plant them in a cardboard box and put them in an out -of-the-way space and they will grow just fine!
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
You’re right – it all helps! I’m hoping for lots of yummy produce this summer.