[rmd]

Hello

I have decided to start off by growing some fruit and veg in my newly laid out garden (winter job) and see about an allotment a little further down the line.  Given that I won't have loads of space I would love to hear any recommendations you might have for veg that I should devote some of my precious space too for whatever reason.

ta
Mark

[John]

First tip - grow what you like to eat and concentrate on quality in a small space.
Some things give better value for space than others - runner beans are incredibly productive for their square footage.
Follow ons and intercropping will also maximise yield from a small space.
If you push the ground hard you'll need to ensure plenty of manure and compost to replace what the plants take out.

[GrannieAnnie]

Look at this site too rmd, I love it.  You can adapt to suit yourself as John says, but my first crop and always my favourite is runner beans, and of course my tomatoes!  I also tried Alderman peas this year for hte first time.  they grow up to 6ft so you can grow upwards like you do runner beans so thye take up less space than some other varieties

http://www.organicgardening.org.uk/organicgardening/gh_sqft.php

[rmd]

Thanks grannieannie

If you can fit that much into such a small space then I've got no problems!  I reckon I'll have three or four times that space for weg plus some room for fruit.
Thinking carefully what the family will eat but I hope the kids will look at some different stuff as a result of growing ourselves.  That said, will need to devote the whole space to broccoli just to feed our eldest!

[John]

Forgot we have this: Small Space Gardening in the information section.

[muntjac]

dont grow runner beans in a specific plot place .use a pyramid frame or a  T frame to grow them up in smaller spaces

[Aidy]

Another site to view, this may also be of interest to you.  http://www.squarefootgardening.com/

[John]

Runners in a hanging basket - won a gold at Hampton Court!

[muntjac]

now that is a clever idea better than a few miserabel geraniums  :idea:

[James]

If space is restricted, don't grow slow-growing things, or things where freshness doesn't matter so much.  Runner beans, climbing French beans are v. efficient.  And grow loads of salad over the winter.