The sweet success of growing your own food

There is something so satisfying about growing your own fruit and veg. Not only are you avoiding the insane amount of plastic that supermarkets wrap our food in, it just tastes so much better when you’ve grown it yourself!

But how do you take that first step? Maybe you’re worried you need more space or think you’re lacking green fingers!

We’ve had a chat with expert Tom Smart from Smart Permaculture to find out more!

Q: I’ve only got windowsill space, can I still grow something?

A: Even on a small windowsill you can grow some herbs! A local supermarket or garden centre will sell the herbs in pots. Just make sure they have enough water and sunlight.

Q: Which fruit and vegetables are easy to grow?

A: If you have a little bit of outdoor space, you can easily grow tomatoes and strawberries. Just make sure you don’t plant them outside until May or the last frost. You can grow tomatoes in a grow bag and use a big stick to tie them too. With care, you’ll be eating delicious tomatoes by the end of June!

Top Tip - plant some basil with the tomatoes. They are great friends!

Strawberries will need a little pot to grow them in and like tomatoes, lots of sun and water.

You can either plant strawberry and tomato seeds inside from February and look after them until they are ready to be planted outside. Otherwise, your local garden centre will have little potted plants you can buy.

Q: I must need lots of space if I want to have fruit trees?

A: If you’ve got room for a large pot, you’ve got room for a miniature fruit tree! Lots of fruit trees can be planted in pots and thrive! These could include, apple, plum, pear, peach, apricot and cherry trees.

Q: What happens if I get bugs on my plants?

A: Make your own homemade spray! Mix a cup of vegetable oil with 1 tablespoon of washing up liquid. Add 2 tablespoons of the oil spray mix with 1 quart of water and spray onto your plants!

Grow your own seeds challenge!

Next time you finish eating your favourite fruit why not try planting the seeds and see what happens!

Follow our easy instructions using a recycled milk or juice carton.