Grow your own fruit and Veg

Your Challenge

Get started with growing your own fruit and veg. You’ll be surprised just how easy it can be. You might think growing food sounds a bit complicated, or not know where to begin. We’ve got some helpful tips to get you started. 

• What? Start by considering what you buy and eat most. That way you can save a bit of cash in your weekly shop too. Start with something relatively easy to grow, such as beans, peas, tomatoes, strawberries or courgettes. Buying an established seedling is also an easier start than growing from seeds if you’re a beginner. 
• Where? You don’t need much space. All you need is a container or a patch of soil, some compost, and some seeds or a seedling. If you live in a flat with a balcony, don’t let this stop you. You can grow fruit and vegetables in containers too. 
• How? Plant your seeds (organic where possible) or seedling in some peat-free compost then water and leave in a sunny spot. You can make your own compost over time – see our compost challenge. 
• When? Check your seed packet or find information online about when to plant the fruit and veg of your choice and how much space, sun and watering they need. Make sure you keep an eye on any plants through hot weather and pick off any pests munching on your leaves!  

An added bonus – things taste even better when they are the ‘fruits’ of your own labour!