The evolution of our vegetable patch in the garden | Mum In The Madhouse

The evolution of our vegetable patch in the garden

Garden 2009

Way back in February 2009 after I had my mastectomy MadDad built three raised bed in the garden so we could start to grow our own vegetables.   This is those raised bed in July 2009. That year we planted cabbage, cauli, broccoli, kale, chard, spinach, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, onions, leeks, beans, peas, pumpkins, courgettes and strawberry plants. We were rather over-adventurous that first year and crammed everything into the beds and pots.  Our cabbage and cauli was eaten by cabbage whites.  The pumpkins took over the small space we had and invaded our neighbours too!  The carrots got munched by carrot fly, but we had a super time growing things and it was a brilliant experience for the boys and to this day runner beans go by the name Robbie Runner Beans!

garden 2013

As the years have gone on we have learned that we just can not grow carrots.  That cabbages are hit and miss for us and although we can grow onions they are actually really inexpensive to buy so are not best use of our tiny bit of land.

This year we have planted new potatoes, cabbage, sprouts, broad beans, peas, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers (in the conservatory), pak choi and salad leaves.    We have three raised beds which have the peas in one, potatoes in another and broccoli and sprouts in the other.   Each year we rotate what is in each of the beds and as soon as the potatoes come out in a week or so we will be planting some winter kale and other winter greens (spring cabbages).

We have two large barrels which both have broad beans in this year.  We want to encourage the boys to eat them and growing them is often the best way for us to introduce a food to them.  In fact, the peas never get from pod to plate, just pod to mouth!  We are growing strawberries in hanging boxes and baskets, but they are very small this year.  Perhaps we need to replace them next year.  Has anyone else had this issue? We have since learned that there is more than just planting strawberrys to make sure you get the best from them!

Tomatoes are also grown in planters and we have one tumbler in almost the flowers, which has done remarkably well.

I also have a number of pots with herbs including Sage, Chives, Mint, and Rosemary, which remain outside all year round and we have more tender ones in the kitchen including Basil.

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