It may be that kids play equipment dominate the garden space and that might be the best way to leave it for the sanity of everyone. However, kids can also get a great deal out of learning how to garden, finding out about nature, how things grow, what plants need and feeling successful when things do grow. Even a little corner to create a fairy garden would be a fun diversion.
If the space doesn't need to double up as playground/exercise yard, then it is good for both the body and mind to use the space to tend plants. Gardening is good physical exercise and there is a peace and calm that comes from caring for plants.
Flower gardening can be hugely rewarding. It is an artform in its own right and looking out onto an array of beautiful blooms is enough to lift anyone's spirits. However, personally I find growing fruit and vegetables even more rewarding. Not only does it have all the benefits of gardening but it comes with the bonus of providing food.
When I give my talk to gardening clubs about Growing Food Not Gluts, the first thing I talk about is where and how we can grow food. Here are the possibilities:
- Allotment
- Garden
- Square foot plot
- Containers
- House plants
- Forage from hedgerow
Allotment
If you don't already have an allotment then scrape that idea for the time being as there are usually waiting lists so you're not likely to get one straight away even in the best of times. Also, they are usually located away from your home and under the control of the Parish Council so they may at some point be shut as stricter and stricter rules come into force.
Garden
This is ideal as it attached to your house and can be accessed under your own control. However, if you rent the property you may be restricted by rules about what you can do to the garden. If you own the house then you can decide for yourself what you do with it, although you will be constrained by its size, shape and orientation. It's a good idea to work out which way your garden faces and which bits are shady and which bits get full sun before you decide where is best to grow fruit and vegetables. As a general rule, vegetables like full sun and most fruit benefits from being grown in a sheltered position or up a warm fence or wall.
Square Foot Plot
This is an ideal way to grow vegetables in small spaces. It works well in raised beds, and works particularly well with children as it offers the opportunity to get a good variety of vegetables in a small space, thus maintaining maximum interest. In essence, a 3 foot by 3 foot growing area is divided up into 9 smaller squares. A different thing is grown in each square. So, that might be, for example, one tomato plant, one cucumber plant, 6 pea plants, 6 onions and so on. It isn't suitable for large plants such as potatoes, pumpkin and sweetcorn.
Containers
These are perfect if you don't really have a garden as they can be used on a balcony, a roof garden, a patio or as window boxes or hanging baskets. They are also useful if you are in a rental property and you aren't allowed to dig up the existing garden to plant things! It is amazing what you can grow in containers and there are lots of fruit trees suitable for growing in pots and more and more varieties of vegetables specifically tailored for container gardens. Look for dwarf trees and trailing or short varieties of vegetables. The main thing to remember with containers is that they will dry out quicker than the ground so will need to be watered often during hot dry weather.
House plants
These can be a lot of fun and houseplants are known to improve indoor air quality and mood so they are worth having around. You can't grow any old plant just anywhere in your house so it does need a little bit of thought. There is never as much light inside a house as there is outside so some plants will lean towards the light or grow weak and leggy as they search for light. Conservatories and patio door windows are good locations, especially if south-facing. North facing windows can be problematic. A fun and attractive houseplant I enjoy growing are peanuts - just buy unroasted monkey nuts, break them out of their shell and stick them in a pot. Garlic grows well if divided into individual cloves, lemongrass will quickly sprout roots if left in a jar of water and if you fancy something slower and more challenging you can try avocado stones, root ginger or pips from citrus fruit.
Forage from hedgerow
Hedgerows are an interesting source of food but, of course, they aren't within the confines of your own garden. If you are heading out to walk the dog or get exercise then keep an eye on the hedgerow for edibles. Please make sure you know how to identify the plants you are after before you head out so that you avoid picking anything inedible or poisonous. Don't forage on private property without permission. Spring isn't as good as autumn for easy foraging but it is great time to pick wild garlic, nettles and, a little later, elderflowers.
Got the space what next?
If you think you have the space for growing food what should you do next? Well, it is spring so it time get on with growing things. It is the last window for planting fruit trees, and the main seed sowing period is between now and April for vegetables. Although some things can be sown later, it is best to get organised and get on with it as soon as you can. Seed potatoes should be planted between now and mid-April ideally. If you don't already have any seeds or fruit plants in your hands then go online to the seed catalogues such as Marshalls, Thompson and Morgan, DT Brown and Plants of Distinction to place your order. And you will, of course, need to get some potting compost too to start your seeds off or to fill your containers.
Give it a go, have fun and if you have any questions, please get in touch.
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