So here we go...There are many changes to be made to this page. Let's call it work in progress shall we? But at least we're up and running. So excited!



Tuesday 15 June 2010

Off the starters block!

Hellooooo! Please excuse the stupid excitement but this is my first post and I've been literally chomping at the bit to get this underway.

So, a few months ago I decided to pull my finger out and go all Charlie Dimmock. Although I did have the foresight to actually wear a bra!

I simply couldn't wait to start growing and eating all my own lovely veggies, and with the ground frost still slightly lingering, turns out I was bang on time to start producing my own.

First things first...tackling those blummin weeds! Whilst poppies may look quite pretty, trust me, they are a pain in the rear!

With most of the weeds out of the way I lay down a couple of rolls of weed proof black matting. You can buy this in most garden centres and it's a God send. Guarantees no weeds will show their ugly faces for the next 5 years...result! There's also the added bonus that you don't need to use nasty chemicals either. Double thumbs up.

Next a trip to, (wait for it) Argos!!! Yup I just bought my first ever raised bed from there and I have to say, it's perfect. Only 1 metre squared so it hardly takes up any room. Will start with two and see how we get on.

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21 comments:

  1. wow - i like it! I am just about to move to a new house with my three year old daughter. It is my first home with a garden and I now feel inspired to grow my own veg etc, so thank you! xx

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  2. We have an allotment and I have to say weeds grow far faster then anything edible! I also recommend Wilkos for netting and a word of warning - Pigeons are evil and will eat any new shoots that come through so netting really is important. Good luck with the project and it you want fast growing high yield go for Courgettes as you can practically see them growing. I order all of my seeds on line from Suttons at Christmas and they deliver them to the door - simples!

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  3. Madeupmummy....Go for it. Seriously, if I can do it anybody can!

    Beverley, thank you so much for the great tips and advice. Always massively appreciated x

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  4. we've just got an allotment and total novices so will follow with interest and look forward to the tips!

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  5. Keep them coming. I look forward to reading your blogs.

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  6. awe my mrs is a keen gardener! does Dave help much with matters green

    Davex

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  7. I have a Poppy, but she has just turned 2 and is a pain in the rear! lol I think she is going on 16!! we are in the process of totally overhalling our garden, and I really want to get Poppy into Growing fruit and veg, we are going for the patio plot! (hoping it will be easier as we are complete novices!) Good luck, and I cant wait to see how you get on

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  8. I look forward to reading your adventures - this year I started a small plot (about the size of a grave) with my 2 year old and am hoping he'll eat everything we grow. So far radishes have gone down well - and they grow quickly so are ideal for the impatient

    Good luck

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  9. Thank you all for the lovely words of encouragement. It's good to know we're all in this together! x

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  10. Brilliant blog. I don't have much garden but last year and again this we have planted 3 to 4 potato and tomato plants in tesco (other makes available) hessian shopping bags and they work well. Well read your 'adventures' as you blog.

    Good Luck
    @_jennifer75_

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  11. looks fab Jayne, have a disused raised bed in my garden, got a little down hearted last year when the cats used it as a toilet and although I had about 20 butternut squash flowers they didn't grow into vegetables...now I've read your blog I might try again. Will keep reading to be inspired !

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  12. I live on a small holding in Norfolk. We grow lots of veg and also rear rare breed pigs and sheep, and lots of poultry. We have lived the good life for several years. Its hard work, but very rewarding. Good luck with your garden.

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  13. Agree with Beverely. Jayne you need to get netting on your beds quick. We have chickens and they are fenced in but sometimes escape and they will eat anything! We now have wild rabbits visiting us at night and they just plonk themselves down in the middle of our beds and nibble away at all our salad and veg.

    Seeing as you are into the Good Life as such maybe you should get a couple of chickens - Nicole would love them and they are ever so easy to keep. Just think - fresh eggs every day!

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  14. Looking good!!!
    Your stories and adventures with your garden are making me want to move even more! Hoping to move next year as am wanting a garden so much and now your blog is making me want one even more!! Looking forward to more 'Jayne and Nicole gardening adventures'!!

    Yvette
    xx

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  15. We have planted our own veg & herbs this year. Started in March/April & it's looking good! Potatos & carrots all come up but not tasted yet. Lettuce, rocket & coriander all taste yummy - having lots of salads at mo! Kids love going out to pick it for me. Beetroot & cucmber coming along nicely. Shall enjoy comparing notes & reading about your progress!

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  16. I am redesigning my garden and going to put in 2 raised beds. I love growing my own veg. In the meantime I put tomatoes in grow bags tonight, as well as courgettes ( very easy to grow - just water loads) and dwarf French beans in pots

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  17. This might be enough to motivate me to do the garden at our new house. I just have to figure out what will grow in this crazy Yank climate!

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  18. Nice one Jayne, it gets quite addictive this gardening lark! I've had an allotment up in Wakey for a year and a half now, and still loving it!

    Check out the allotment section on my blog for pics etc - http://www.kevcharlton.com/category/allotment - might not be beautiful Buckinghamshire, but I'm stuck in Normy trying me best!

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  19. Looking good jayne,I've got an allotment and the way I look at it is there is 2 chances they will either grow or not grow if they don't try somyhong else. :-). Good luck. Neal

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  20. ...why have i just eaten tinned rhubarb?? i need rhubarb grown by my little blondie......welsh x

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