Growing veg

[thooe]

We tried to grow veg with the children this year. Everything grew brilliantly, but we got hardly any vegetables before the stems rotted. Any ideas for next year. We tried tomatoes, carrots, pumpkins - still have sprouts growing - no sprouts yet, but stems healthy!

[WendyS]

How disappointing for you all.  Did you over-water perhaps?  Try again next year as sometimes weather conditions cause all kinds of unexpected problems which make gardening a challenge. Tomatoes are normally quite reliable.  A few runner beans up sticks might be worth trying as you can buy different varieties which have pink, white or red flowers which the children might enjoy.  I'd give carrots a miss as carrot fly can be a real problem.  How about courgettes, picking them when they're no longer than 4" long, when they make healthy crudities when raw, to dunk in dips. Lettuces are easy to grow too and there are lots of red leaved varieties now to add colour and interest.Radishes grow quickly but usually attrack slugs unless you grow them in grow bags.  Good luck!

[thooe]

Thanks so much Wendy, I will certainly take your advice and persevere next year! We are trying a few bulbs for the spring - perhaps we will have more luck with flowers!

[Harri2000]

Hi Thooe. For pure gardening enjoyment with children I would highly recommend Sunflowers. A mixed packet of seeds and you have all sorts of shapes colours and sizes. I have three kids that love growing these, especially when the big 'uns just keep growing and growing. We name ours to see who grows the highest.