Web Editor, Author at Kitchen Garden Magazine Page 2 of 4

Grow your own: Cherries

3rd March 2023 Web Editor Fruit & Veg Growing Guides

The wonderful taste of ripe, juicy cherries, whether on their own or in tarts, pies and jams, is simply mouth watering; and thankfully this is one fruit that has everything going for it as far as our climate is concerned. However, like many other fruits, the flowers are prone to frost and so it is important not to plant them…

Grow your own: Cucumbers

3rd March 2023 Web Editor Fruit & Veg Growing Guides

The traditional long, smooth cucumbers need to be grown in awarm, almost hot, humid atmosphere so require greenhouse or polytunnel conditions. Some of the smaller-fruited more prickly varieties can be grown outside on your veg plot. Many of the greenhouse varieties sold are now all-female plants which means there is no need to remove the male flowers. The ordinary old-fashioned…

Grow your own: Chicory

3rd March 2023 Web Editor Fruit & Veg Growing Guides

Chicory is a popular Italian salad crop but they have never really taken off here. One reason could be their slightly bitter taste, but they should be more widely grown for the zing they can add to salads. There are two types of chicory to consider. One is the ‘Witloof’ chicory which is familiar as the white, green tipped chicons.…

Grow your own: Currants

3rd March 2023 Web Editor Fruit & Veg Growing Guides

Red, white and blackcurrants might be small, but they are extremely tasty and packed with health-promoting vitamins and antioxidants. They are simple to grow, thrive in all parts of the UK and require very little attention, although if given just a basic level of care will repay you with bumper crops year after year. Pruning is simple; however, there are…

Grow your own: Figs

3rd March 2023 Web Editor Fruit & Veg Growing Guides

Think of figs, or better still taste one, and you will immediately be transported to sunnier climes where the sun beats down all day, ripening this exotic-looking fruit to a deep, rich brown. However, you don’t need to live in the Med to enjoy the fig’s wonderful, sweet flesh – you can grow your own in many areas of the…

Grow your own: French beans

3rd March 2023 Web Editor Fruit & Veg Growing Guides

French beans are a great choice for new comers to veg growing and especially good for those with little space. Just one plant will produce many beans over along period so a whole row will keep a family in beans easily. They will also crop over a long period if the pods are picked regularly. There are two types, climbing…

Grow your own: Garlic

3rd March 2023 Web Editor Fruit & Veg Growing Guides

It’s either loved or hated but whatever your view garlic is certainly popular… and until you have tasted your own grown you won’t believe that it can be so much better than shop bought. It isn’t a difficult crop to grow, but it is in the ground a long time, so ideally find a sunny corner or edge of a…

Grow your own: Gooseberries

3rd March 2023 Web Editor Fruit & Veg Growing Guides

Native to Europe, gooseberries have been grown in the UK for centuries. They are extremely hardy and don’t need any protection here, except from birds who will steal the ripe berries. However, the culinary varieties can be very bitter and are not to everyone’s taste. The thorns alone can be enough to put people off since they are very sharp…

Grow your own: Grapes

3rd March 2023 Web Editor Fruit & Veg Growing Guides

Grape vines have been grown in the UK for centuries having, like so many things, been introduced by the Romans. In more recent times our climate has only really been suitable to grow reliable crops in greenhouses in many areas of the UK, apart from favoured areas such as the south. But with the global climate warming, it is becoming…

Grow your own: Kale

3rd March 2023 Web Editor Fruit & Veg Growing Guides

Kale or borecole is one of the best winter greens you can grow and just packed with health-giving nutrients. It is a member of the brassica family so is closely related to cabbages and broccoli but probably a bit easier to grow. It will do well on most soils, although a more limey soil is better than an acidic one.…

Grow your own: Leeks

3rd March 2023 Web Editor Fruit & Veg Growing Guides

Leeks have to be king of the winter vegetables and probably the most popular to grow and eat at this season of the year. It is also the easiest of the onion family to grow and generally undemanding. It will tolerate a range of winter conditions, from wet to very cold, and once mature it can be left in the…

Grow your own: Lettuce

3rd March 2023 Web Editor Fruit & Veg Growing Guides

Lettuce has to be one of the most popular vegetables to grow. It is fast maturing, the ultimate salad ingredient and can be grown in a relatively small area. Sown successionally crops can be produced nearly all year round. The choice of varieties is endless and it is best to try several to see which ones you prefer. There are…

Grow your own: Marrows & Courgettes

3rd March 2023 Web Editor Fruit & Veg Growing Guides

Courgettes and marrows have to be the first choice for beginners to veg growing. They grow quickly and produce masses of fruit without too much trouble making them real confidence boosters. As a bonus, they really are most attractive plants with big leaves and stunning yellow flowers that can also be eaten, especially tasty if battered and fried! The difference…

Grow your own: Onions & Shallots

3rd March 2023 Web Editor Fruit & Veg Growing Guides

These crops both belong to the allium family, which also includes garlic, but whereas onions form one large bulb, shallots split to form several small bulbs and are generally milder and sweeter than onions. Onions can be grown from seed sown in spring for harvests in mid to late summer. They can also be sown in August and the plants…