Hey! TJ here from the Gibbons House, thanks for being here! If you are new to the blog, welcome, if you are returning, it's great to see you again.
In April 2023 I moved into my own home for the first time, and the one thing I really wanted to do was to grow my own veg and have a mini-kitchen garden. The space I have isn't huge, so I have had to work with what I have got. This year was my first attempt at growing, really, and it was semi-successful! I have learned many lessons and I am armed with new skills and information to tackle next year.
Whilst I was planning the plant layout for my kitchen garden for next year, I thought I would share with you how to plan for setting up your own kitchen garden. Even if you already have a kitchen garden set up, there might be some tips in here to help you improve it even further.
No matter what space you have, even if it's just a windowsill in a flat, you still have the chance to grow something. You can utilize whatever space you have! Like this breeze block wall that I turned into the herb garden to maximize growing space.
Not only is growing your own food great for saving money (in the long run, the initial costs can be quite high depending on your resources and space), but it is extremely rewarding. You know where your food has been grown, exactly what has been used on them and that they are chemical free! Home grown food just tastes so much better, too.
Here are some ways you can prep for creating your own kitchen garden:
Assess the available space and resources
The first step in planning your kitchen garden is figuring out what space you have available for growing food.
Do you have a large garden with raised beds already built? Maybe a small terrace garden, a balcony, or just a sunny windowsill? The area you choose should be easily accessible for watering and weeding.
Light availability is another important factor to consider. The amount of direct sunlight your chosen spot receives daily will determine what plants you can successfully grow. Ideally, you want a space that gets full sun to partial shade. If your space faces north, it’s likely to be fully shaded. I’m lucky; my front garden faces south and enjoys full sun!
Don’t forget to factor in your budget. You might need to buy soil and fertilizer, and you may also need to purchase or build your growing space, which can add up quickly.
As for my setup, I opted to use free tires from a local garage as mini-raised beds. This gives me plenty of contained growing space and allows for large walking areas between the tires for easy access. There are pros and cons to growing in tires, and some people are concerned about potential toxins leaking into the soil. After doing my research, I decided it was a good option for me. If you’re considering this route, just be sure to do your own research to see if it aligns with your gardening goals.
Another option is to use inexpensive containers or pots as your growing areas. First, decide what size pots you’ll need, as this will depend on the type of crops you want to grow. If you have a specific theme or aesthetic in mind for your garden—be it modern, rustic, or futuristic—choose containers that fit that vision.
Next, check the soil quality in your space. If you’re growing in containers, raised beds, or pots, you can fill them with quality soil to ensure your plants thrive. If you’re using ground space, it’s best to assess the existing soil type and determine whether it’s rich enough in nutrients to support your crops. If it's not, you will need to add a compost mixture.
Will you have the time and energy to be fully committed to growing food? It's not just a case of planting and leaving it to do it's thing, there are lots of jobs to be done all year round, so ensure you are ready for that! If you only have small amounts of spare time, choose a smaller grow space with easy maintenance plants.
When it comes to planting seeds, a warm space will be needed to help them germinate. If you are lucky enough to have the space and funds to get a greenhouse, then do so! There are so many options out there now from tiny pop up greenhouses to full sized potting sheds. I have a tomato greenhouse, a small seedling greenhouse and a medium sized potting greenhouse. These are all pop-ups and are easy to take down if needed and to relocate them, and yet they are sturdy and perfect for starting seeds and growing warmer-climate veggies in. I think it cost me just under £100 for the 3, with one being from Aldi, another from Amazon and the final one from my local garden centre during a sale.
You also need to think about what you will do with the cuttings, weeds and other rubbish you'll acquire. Do you have the space for a compost bin or have access to a local household waste site?
Lastly, be mindful of the local wildlife and the potential impacts you could have on them and vice versa. For instance, if you live in an area with a high deer population, you might need to install deer fencing to protect your seedlings from being eaten.
While gardening, keep nature in mind. You may be disturbing areas that serve as habitats for local wildlife, so it’s important to be considerate. If possible, think about adding nature-friendly areas to your garden. For example, I have three tires dedicated to wildflowers, I planted a hedge to attract birds and beneficial insects, and I willingly sacrifice some berries and plants to pests that would otherwise destroy the rest of my crops.
Choose your plants
This is the fun part! You get to choose what foods to grow in your space. As you embark on this journey, remember to consider factors like space, sun exposure, and soil quality. It’s also essential to think about your climate and which plants thrive at different times of the year.
What herbs and veggies do you use most in your kitchen? There’s no point in growing produce that might go to waste, so keep track of how many plants you’ll need. If you’re gardening for just yourself, you probably don’t need five tomato plants—each one can produce up to 13 kilos of fruit! However, if you plan to use those tomatoes for homemade sauces or soups, you might want to grow a few more. Apply this same logic to any vegetables you’re considering to determine how many plants you’ll need for your desired harvest.
Also, think about whether the vegetables you’re growing can be stored, frozen, or canned for long-term use, or if they’re more perishable.
Chatting with locals who grow their own veggies can be incredibly helpful. They can share insights on common pests in your area, which can influence your choices since some varieties are more pest- and disease-resistant than others. Expect your first couple of growing seasons to involve a bit of trial and error as you discover what works best in your space!
For instance, this year I learned that growing potatoes in containers is the way to go for my location, thanks to the pesky wire-worms and what feels like the largest population of slugs ever (okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but it’s a lot!). I grew two crops: one in containers and another in tires. The tire crop failed miserably, while the container potatoes thrived!
When deciding on your plants and their placements, it's a good idea to create a garden plan. This can be a quick sketch or a detailed layout. On your plan, note where each plant will go and consider companion planting—what plants grow well together and which ones don’t. Companion planting can help reduce pest risks, encourage healthy growth, and save space. Just be cautious, as pairing the wrong plants can hinder growth or lead to overcrowding.
Some common companion plants include marigolds, nasturtiums, and strong herbs like lavender, dill, and rosemary, as well as garlic and onions. Always do your research to ensure compatibility!
Bare in mind that next year, you will have to rotate crops to cut the cycles of any diseases and to replenish the soil as some plants require more of a certain mineral than others, and the odd plant even helps fertilize the soil like beans and peas.
Some plant ideas:
If you’re growing on a windowsill, consider a variety of herbs. There are many layouts to maximize your window space! Greens like lettuce, watercress, and spinach would also thrive. You might even try dwarf tomatoes and peppers!
Easy, low-maintenance plants include strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, carrots, peas (though the initial setup takes a bit of work), beets, and chard.
Other great additions for your garden include gooseberries, potatoes, garlic, blackberries, redcurrants, green beans, onions, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, pumpkins, and squash. While peppers, courgettes, cucumbers, and aubergines can grow outside, they tend to do better in a polytunnel or greenhouse.
If you want continuous harvests, consider replanting crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes multiple times for several cuts throughout the season. Keep in mind that veggies like carrots and squash are slower-growing.
You can also stagger your potato harvest by planting early, main crop, and late varieties.
While most veg plants yield produce during the summer and autumn, some can be planted for winter harvests, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, winter cabbages, spinach, and kale.
Now that you have chosen your plants, you need to find somewhere that sells either seeds or plants that are already growing. Your local garden center will sell seeds without a doubt, but if you want specialist varieties you might need to hunt online. Some plant nurseries will sell plants that are already growing, but again you'll need to go hunting for them.
Soil prep and planting seeds
First things first, you’ll want to decide whether the plants you’re growing can be directly sown into your garden or if they need to be started in trays in a warm spot first. Personally, I like to start all my seeds in the greenhouse to keep those pesky slugs at bay. Once the seedlings are stronger, I transfer them to their permanent homes. Just a heads up: some plants, like carrots, can’t be moved once they’re planted, so make sure to sow them in the spot where you want them to grow.
If you’ve bought plants that have been started for you, you might need to give them a little transition period to help them acclimate to the outdoors before planting them out. It’s a good idea to chat with the place you bought them from—they’ll have the best advice since they grew the plants!
Starting seeds can be a bit tricky since each plant has different needs and must be planted at various times.
Last year, I tried something called Winter Sowing. I planted all my seeds at the beginning of the year and left them in mini DIY grow houses (don't forget to label them all so you know what plant is what...!). I watered them as needed, but with the moisture in the air, that wasn’t often.
This method worked wonders for me, especially since I have a tendency to forget things (thanks, ADHD!). The seeds were exposed to frosts, which helped harden them off before they even started growing, saving me a job later on. When the weather warmed up enough, the seeds began to germinate, and that’s when I moved them into the greenhouse.
If you prefer to follow the instructions on the seed packets, that’s perfectly fine! Just sow them when the packet says to, and you’re good to go! Remember to harden off the plants before moving them outside permanently.
To prepare your soil or growing space, start by removing any stones, weeds, and debris. Break down any large clumps of mud.
Once you’ve tested the soil, you can add any necessary nutrients (like compost, manure, or fertilizer) and mix them in. Some additives need a few weeks to work their magic, so be sure to follow the instructions if that’s the case.
Next, level the soil and add your seeds or plants. Water them well to eliminate any air bubbles in the soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until they begin to germinate, and then water as needed. Move them outside when the seed packet indicates it’s time or when you feel they’re hardy enough for their permanent spot. If you’re keeping them indoors or in a greenhouse, there’s no rush—just make sure to repot them when they need more space and nutrients.
Finally, consider adding some mulch to protect the soil, increase water retention throughout the summer, and reduce weed growth. Mulch can be anything from wood chippings and cardboard to grass cuttings, compost, hay, or straw.
Watering and maintenance
Each plant has unique requirements for water and fertilization, so it’s a great idea to research the specific plants you’re growing. Consider creating a little plan or keeping a notebook where you can jot down all the information. This way, you can easily refer to it when needed.
When it comes to watering, it's best to water deeply and less frequently rather than opting for shallow, frequent watering. This approach encourages deeper and stronger root systems, leading to healthier, more resilient plants.
A handy rule of thumb is to water only when the soil feels dry up to your second knuckle when you stick your finger in it. If it’s still wet or moist, hold off until it’s dry.
The ideal time to water is in the morning, as this prepares the plants for the day ahead in the sun. You can also water in the afternoon, but try to avoid doing so during extremely hot weather. Watering in the heat can scorch the leaves and lead to evaporation, wasting both water and your effort.
Watering in the evening can leave the soil too moist, which may encourage pests and diseases, so it’s best to steer clear of that.
When you water, take a moment to check your plants for any signs of pests, disease, or damage. Catching issues early can help you tackle them before they become serious problems. Signs of under- or over-watering can also indicate that your plant needs a different watering schedule. If you notice something unusual and can’t figure it out, snap some photos and consult a local plant specialist for advice. You may need to remove a diseased plant or implement strategies to combat pests or nutrient issues.
Regularly check your growing space for weeds and unwanted plants. Removing them early is the best way to ensure your produce gets maximum sunlight and nutrients. Make sure to pull weeds out by the root, or they’ll just grow back!
If you encounter invasive weeds, you may need to take more drastic measures once the plant has finished producing to effectively eradicate the issue.
Harvesting
Every veggie comes with its own harvesting window. Seed packets usually provide a rough estimate of when to expect your plants to mature, but knowing the signs to look out for will ensure you never miss a ripe harvest! If you pick them too early, they might taste bitter or be inedible. On the other hand, if they’re overripe, they could be squishy, soft, or even spoiled. Most veggies taste best when they’re young, so it’s always a good idea to check before you pick. During the harvest window, inspect your produce daily; a single day can make the difference between perfectly ripe and overripe.
Regular harvesting when your fruits and veggies are ready not only promotes further growth but also prevents the plant from seeding. This helps maintain the plant’s ability to produce more edibles.
You’ll need different tools depending on the plants you’re harvesting. For greens like lettuce, herbs, and spinach, a sharp, clean pair of scissors will do the trick. For tomatoes or peppers, a sharp knife works great. Hand shears or secateurs can also be useful, and some produce can simply be picked or twisted from the plant.
Make sure whatever you use is sharp and clean to ensure a clean cut and minimize damage to the plant. Wearing gloves is a good idea to protect yourself from thorns or stingers. Always be gentle when harvesting to avoid damaging both the plant and the produce, as many veggies bruise easily.
Now that you’ve harvested, the fruits of your labor are in your kitchen! They smell delightful, and you can take pride in knowing you grew them yourself. It’s incredibly rewarding to enjoy the results of your hard work.
To prolong the life and taste of your veggies, proper storage is essential. However, nothing beats the flavor of produce that goes straight from the garden to the pan or oven. In fact, there’s evidence that produce can start losing its taste as soon as it’s picked!
Some veggies need to be stored in the fridge, while others do best in a dry, cool spot. You can also blanch and freeze anything you won’t use right away or preserve it by turning it into soup, sauce, or stew. Planning ahead for storage before you harvest is the best approach, so you’re prepared for the work that follows.
For example, potatoes can be cured for storage throughout the winter, and herbs can be dried or frozen in oil for an instant flavor boost in any meal. Cucumbers and beets are great candidates for pickling. Get creative! The more you can store, the more money you’ll save in the future.
Don’t forget that jams, preserves, and pickles are fantastic ways to use up extra fruits and veggies. This year, we made sweet chili jam at work, and it was absolutely delightful!
When you finally enjoy the fruits and veggies you’ve grown, take a moment to savour them. You’ll taste the difference between fresh and store-bought, and you may never want to go back. Many of the peas I grew this year didn’t even make it to the kitchen—I ate them all right in the garden!
If you want to become self-sufficient, saving and storing the seeds from some of the plants is something you should consider and plan for! I only tried it with the peas this year, but it's real easy to do! I just let the peas stay on the plant for a little longer until they began to dry, and then I allowed the pods to dry in the window for a week before popping the seeds out and storing them with the name of the variety and the date they were stored!
It may seem like a bit of a faff, and if it's not for you then that's fair enough! But there is nothing more rewarding that knowing exactly where your produce came from, what went into growing it and the incredible taste at the end. Your meals will be elevated with the additional tastes, not to mention the time and love you give the plants to ensure their survival and help them thrive. Growing your own food connects you to the end result, as well as encouraging you to spend time in nature getting dirt under your finger nails (unless you have sensory issues like me, in which case, wear gloves!). So, roll up your sleeves, plan your garden and get to work! There is no time like the present. If you have kids, get them involved too and show them how food is grown, teach them about respecting wildlife and ensuring that their foods are safe to eat. Many people these days are so disconnected from the foods they eat, and many children believe that the veggies and meats in the super markets just appear there!
Good luck in your garden journey!
I would love to hear all about it, and see photos! Share your story with me on social media or in the comments below. I look forward to hearing from you!
If you have any tips or tricks for me or anyone else new to gardening, share them, too. I am still very new to growing my own foods and want to learn everything I can.
See you soon!
TJ
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