[jerry123]

Hi all, just after a bit of advice. My local council in their wisdom are forcing me to return my rear garden back to agricultural use. It’s laid to lawn at the moment but next year I plan to use it properly for crops etc. The land is a 70m x 15m. What would be the best thing to grow? Is it best to split the land up into separate crops or grow the same thing? How about an orchard for cider making?

[sunshineband]

I don't understand... how can they make you change your garden? 

[jerry123]

I bought the land from the famer about 5 years ago so it was originally part of his field. We didn’t know we had to apply for a change of use, so had it for the children as a garden. Unfortunately the change of use and appeal was refused so it has to revert back to agricultural use. I don’t mind as always planned on having a small veg plot but now it’s the whole area.

[sunshineband]

Oh I see 

With that size space I'd look  at a wide range of crops iiwm  .. check out the Growing Help button above.

Will you be keeping chickens too?

[jerry123]

No, I wasn't planning on keeping any livestock as can be away with work a couple of times per week.

[sunshineband]

Probably a good choice then 

I can only suggest you check out the button as I said, and grow things you know you will all like to eat.

Growing veg in a crop rotation will help you avoid pests and diseases building up, so it is best to avoid just randomly planting things, but be a bit organised about it.

Fruit trees/soft fruit would be good to include too 

[jerry123]

Hi James, I can't reply to your message as not posted 10? It worked out at £4.14 per square meter (6 years ago). Hope that helps

[jimbeekeeper]

Hi Jerry

Thanks for that, it just gives us a rough idea to start the bartering.

[digalotty]

i would grow a couple of rows of fruit trees and bushes  and put some veg beds in and if you can have some grass left up the middle then the kids might benefit too

[evie2]

I'd definitely include fruit trees and bushes