Gardening experts share top tips on how to grow your own at home.
Image Photo by Andy Song on Unsplash
Following recent glimpses into footballing legend David Beckham’s garden-to-table lifestyle, the UK has seen a surge of interest in growing your own veg at home, with searches for ‘grow your own vegetables kit’ increasing by 250% in the past month.
In a recent social media video, Beckham can be seen proudly showing off his homegrown produce to fans as he handles his garden-grown bulbs of garlic, onions and even a misshapen carrot to wife Victoria Beckham.
As Brits look to bring a slice of self-sufficiency to their back gardens, patios and allotments, horticultural experts from Cherry Lane Garden Centres are sharing their tips on how to grow the best classic veg at home and all the tools you might find useful to really ‘tend it like Beckham’.
Gardening Buyer, Abbie Betts, said: “Growing your own vegetables is more than just a trend, it’s a rewarding way to reconnect with nature, reduce your food miles and enjoy truly fresh flavour straight from your garden. With the right know-how, even beginners can enjoy a thriving harvest at home.
“As we move into late summer, there are still plenty of crops you can sow now and enjoy before winter hits. You don’t need a huge plot either, many of these veggies will thrive in raised beds, grow bags or even deep containers. Here are my top three crops to plant now and enjoy later…”
Kale
“Kale is one of the hardiest crops you can grow, tolerating cooler weather and actually tasting sweeter after a light frost. Packed with nutrients, it’s a perfect crop to take you from autumn into winter.
“Begin sowing now through early September in well-prepared beds or large pots. Keep the soil moist and free of weeds. When the young plant blooms add in a natural deterrent to protect the leaves from slugs. Once established, kale is very low maintenance, and you can begin picking outer leaves around 8-10 weeks from sowing.”
Salad Onions
“Quick to grow and full of flavour, salad onions are ideal for anyone short on space or time. They’re a brilliant crop for containers, windowsills or small beds.
“Sow thinly in rows and keep the soil moist. Avoid overcrowding by thinning seedlings early. Begin sowing from now until mid-September, these little onions are ready to pull in as little as 8–10 weeks. Harvest when stems are about pencil thickness for the best crunch and flavour.”
Swiss Chard
“Swiss chard is a vibrant, versatile veg that grows quickly and keeps producing for months. With its rainbow-coloured stems and leafy greens, it looks as good as it tastes.
“Sow from now into early September for an autumn crop. Chard enjoys full sun or partial shade. Water regularly and remove any damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy. Begin harvesting baby leaves after about 4–6 weeks. For larger leaves and stems, wait 8–10 weeks. Pick outer leaves first, and the plant will keep producing into late autumn.”
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On to equipment!
Greenhouses
“Greenhouses are a great way to grow your own produce at home, offering a controlled environment that shields plants from weather and pests. They trap heat and maintain humidity, extending the growing season and enabling year-round cultivation.
“With easy control over soil, water and light, greenhouses help produce healthier plants and higher yields, making them ideal for gardeners of all levels and turning your backyard into a productive and sustainable food source.”
Raised beds, hanging baskets and plant pots are also great for growing your own produce, if you’re working with a smaller space like a patio or a balcony.
Whether you’re filling patio pots or revamping your veggie beds, now’s the time to give grow-your-own a go and Cherry Lane is making it easier than ever to get started.
Grab everything you need at your local Cherry Lane Garden Centre and start growing like Beckham, no football skills required!
• To find your nearest Cherry Lane Garden Centre visit cherry-lane.co.uk/a/storelocator
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