Garden to fork: Easy ways to start growing fruits, vegetables and herbs in your garden

Growing produce can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity, providing fresh, organic produce right at your doorstep. Whether you have a spacious garden or just a small balcony, growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs is easier than you might think. Here are some simple ways to get started.

Choose easy-to-grow crops

If you're a beginner, start with plants that require minimal care and produce good yields. Some of the best beginner-friendly options include:

•    Vegetables, such as lettuce, radishes, carrots, tomatoes, and courgette.
•    Fruits, like strawberries, raspberries, and dwarf citrus trees.
•    Herbs, including basil, mint, rosemary, parsley, and chives.

You could get started with a grow your own herb kit and go from there.

Start small

It’s tempting to plant everything at once, but beginning with a small, manageable space will make it easier to maintain. Consider using raised beds, containers, or small garden plots to focus on just a few plants at a time.

If you don’t have a large garden, containers and raised beds are great alternatives. They offer better control over soil quality, drainage, and pest prevention. Choose pots or containers with drainage holes and use high-quality soil for the best results.

If you are considering a bike, log or bin store, you can start growing herbs in your green roof, which is an excellent way to maximise green space. 

Pick the right location

Most fruits, vegetables, and herbs require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Choose a sunny spot in your garden, balcony or windowsill to ensure your plants thrive. If your garden has limited sun, you can opt for shade-tolerant plants like spinach, kale and mint.

Use good-quality soil

Healthy plants start with healthy soil. Use nutrient-rich compost or organic potting soil to provide essential nutrients for growth. If using garden soil, mix in compost or manure to improve its fertility.

Water wisely

Overwatering and underwatering are both common mistakes. Most plants need consistent moisture but not soggy roots. Watering in the morning helps plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day. You can also use mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

Companion planting

Certain plants grow better together. Companion planting helps improve plant health, deter pests and increase yields. Some good combinations include:

• Tomatoes and basil: Not only do these two flavours work well - basil repels pests and enhances the flavour of tomatoes as they grow.
• Carrots and onions: Onions help to deter carrot flies.
• Lettuce and radishes: Radishes grow quickly, loosening the soil for slower-growing lettuce.

Watch our for pests and diseases

Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, slugs and caterpillars. Natural pest control methods include using essential oil, copper taping and chilli powder/flakes. It’s wise to regularly inspect leaves and stems for signs of disease to take action early.

Harvest regularly

Picking fruits, vegetables, and herbs frequently encourages more growth. Herbs like basil and mint need from regular trimming. Courgettes and cucumbers should be harvested before they become too large and turn in to marrows – big but not as tasty or nutritious!

Keep learning and experimenting

Gardening is a continuous learning process. Experiment with different crops, try new planting techniques, and adapt to the needs of your space and climate. Don't be discouraged by setbacks - every season brings new opportunities to grow and no two seasons are the same. 

So starting your own fruit, vegetable and herb garden doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, a bit of patience, and a willingness to learn, you’ll be enjoying fresh homegrown produce in no time. And the more you grow, the more you’ll want to keep growing!