Any Vegetable Growers Out There?

[mazie]

We are the process of clearing out an old wooded area and converting it into a Veg plot. I've never grown veg before apart from runner beans. I need help. I have a few questions if you don't mind.The finished area will be approx 100 sq Mtrs.

The soil appears to be very rich in leaf mould and looks lovely. Will I need to enrich the soil in anyway and if so, with what?

I've pretty much sorted out the veg I want to grown come next spring. Is there anything I can put in to start growing now (well in about a weeks time)?

I will be planting a couple of fruit trees as well. A cooking Apple and a Damson. Any variety suggestions would be appreciated?

No doubt I will be back for more help. Thank you x

[woofgang]

Can I ask why you want a cooking apple? I do all my apple cooking using eating varieties. You need to use less sugar and (IMO) the results taste better. I have to say I can't grow enough apples in my garden so my apples are bought.

[mazie]

Hi Woof. I've always used cooking apples (Bramley) for Chutneys and Pies.. Not really thought about using any other. Any suggestions?

[Togo]

I think you are a bit late for planting winter veg now Maisie but you could put in a collection of vegetabls that includes spring cabbages, broccoli, chard, perpetual spinach and Red Mustard for late winter and early spring use. If the soil looks good the best thing is to dig it, and dig it again. Break down any large clods and rake well to reduce the soil down to a fine crumb consistency remove as many stones as possible.

[Mamyalynne]

You'll get lots of advice from the good AB gardeners Mazie, it's not something I've ever had the joy of doing.

Found this as a guide though (was written in November,even though a few years old).

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/how-to-grow/the-beginners-guide-to-starting-a-veg-garden/

[mazie]

Hi Togo. The soil is amazing, very easy to dig and no stones so far. Lots of small roots to get out . thanks for the advice. Think I might spend my time researching a bit more and wait until spring before planting the veg...I'll get the pathways down and sort the fruit trees first.

Thanks Mamya , I'll read through that link later..xx

[mazie]

Togo do you think its worth doing PH test? A bit concerned it could be a bit acidic due to all the trees and shrubs.

[Togo]

It wouldn't do any harm Mazie(got your name right this time). Once you know what it is you are putting in. Most veg is pretty tolerant and fruit trees and bushes can of course be treated individually at the time of digging out for planting. If you have been growing Broad Beans there you will find that the soil will be Nitrogen rich anyway. I tend to give carrots a swerve because of blackfly in our location and Cauliflowers can be devilish to prevent from bolting but all else is game on. Onions are a snip as are Peas and Cabbage for a start up veg garden. Local weather conditions will have a huge impact though on whatever you plant.

[mazie]

Thanks Togo will do. I've been gardening and growing flowers for years but am a total novice with veg. Plan on growing onions, potatoes and as many greens, peas, beans etc as I can. X I'll report back when I've done the PH test .

[Quoi]

Lucky you - as for planting - I am preparing soil for winter onions and broad beans going in a few weeks.
Also time for bush fruit in a few weeks - gooseberry (make great chutney using goseberries) and raspberries, blcak currants etc.
Strawberries are being resited and mulched - so loads to go in depending on what your plans are.

[bhg481]

Think about getting your fruit trees on dwarf root stock - they will be easier to pick (no ladders needed) and you won't be overloaded with fruit.

[mazie]

Brilliant bhg. Should all be ready for p!anting in a week . we have uncovered a rather ugly wall which I would like to put a row of raspberries in front of..do you think they'll work in that location? Good tip ref the dwarf trees. I want as much light in there as possible, so the dwarf trees will help that too.

[mazie]

Togo the PH checker should be here tomorrow.:0)

[paddywak]

If it's never been planted before plant some of it with spuds,not only will you end up with a useful crop but they help to break up the soil but the actual cultivation helps remove twitch old plant roots etc.I know you're just starting but plan for the future as correct crop rotation can make a big difference to the quality of you future crops
https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/crop-rotation-how-to/slide/2

[bednobs]

cripes, you'll have your work cut out for you - 100 sq mtrs is bigger than a football pitch!

[bednobs]

ok, i take that back, of course it isn't

[mazie]

Hi paddywak. Potatoes are a must for us. How soon can they be planted. Have a notion to grow some Scottish ones, Kerr's Pinks, husband loves them but so hard to buy here . we live in Five so Scottish weather to contend with.

[mazie]

Its a fair size for growing veg bednobs but its a joint effort with our neighbours. We are going to share the fruit and veg, if we manage to grow any!

[mazie]

FIFE !

[mazie]

Sorry Quoi... The raspberry question should have been addressed to you not bhg. Apologies...think I'm getting over excited :0) x

[mazie]

Thanks everyone. So grateful for all your help so far x