[Tony H]

Hi all dont laugh but i havent grown any veg before and wonderd what would be best veg to start of with and get them green fingers    i have chickens so have plenty compost i havent got loads of space  but still want to give it a try

[savbo]

My suggestions:

Mangetout are dead easy, you only need a few square feet and some canes, and once you've got past the seedling stage need no looking after

Courgette - one plant will keep you in courgettes for a summer and you can grow them through weed fabric (or even cardboard) so no weeding

[Stevens706]

Tony you are not a complete idiot just a beginner, we were all once.

Start by writing down what veg you are always buying then look at the list and decide what would be easiest to grow.

You could always put the list on here and we will let you know what is easy or hard.

[AndyRVTR]

Welcome to the wonderful world of growing your own....
I totally agree with Paul.... it's no good growing veg that you wont eat so write a list of what veg you normally eat then it might help folk on the forum point you in the right direction.
There are also some great books available by John Harrison that will definately come in useful... the two I find invaluable are 'The Essential Allotment Guide' and 'Vegetable Growing Month by Month', great reads and full of priceless hints and tips...
(Just send the cheque in the post John  )

[Kleftiwallah]

Runner beans and carrots, they are (fairly) failsafe.     Cheers,    Tony.

[Trillium]

There's lots of info here to start you off with, even some videos:

http://www.allotment-garden.org/growing_information.php

[shoozie]

I definitely agree that it's a good idea to start with what you like to eat and what might have a chance of success where you live.

 A good lesson we learned this year is sweet corn doesn't like our weather - complete disaster as it didn't ripen  but it was interesting trying and just glad we didn't plant loads of the stuff 

[viettaclark]

I grow a lot of basic stuff that we all like and I know from experience grows well in my soil (soft fruit, leeks, garlic,  tomatoes, courgettes, beans, carrots, parsnips, various greens, herbs and salad stuff to name a few).....I try to experiment each year with new seed and if it works it gets added to the list.
I cannot seem to grow good squash, swede, celeriac, spring onions or onions. Tried  different turnip and beetroot this year and they're a bit better.
Your first years will be experimental, trying different seed, improving your soil, enjoying the harvest that the multitude of pests leaves you with!!!
My best tip would be to try and grow all year round by planning well and don't forget to sow successionally to keep a crop going.
Good luck and enjoy your growing!!!

[Paul Plots]

What space have you to grow veg in Tony?

Salad crops are pretty quick & easy. Starting lettuce seeds off in a pot or a tray is an easy option. You then plant them out and keep them watered... minding the birds and the slugs don't take a share.

Ask around - someone may be willing to hand over a few spares that you can plant out and experiment with. 

[azubah]

What a wonderful opportunity you have...loads of chicken manure and no vegetable diseases on your land, as you haven't grown anything yet.
As the previous people have said, grow what you like to eat. Most vegatables are not difficult to grow, just give them a try.

[seedman]

You could try growing some spuds in tubs as land is tight

[Madame Cholet]

don't forget you can grow upwards too. beans squash and cu types and trained fruit .

[Tony H]

Thank you all for your help cant wait till spring   

[ermck1]

Tony

Firstly enjoy!

Dont wait until spring - slap in some broad beans, onions and garlic now. If you are really brave plant some peas as well. If really really brave get a seed tray and pop some purple cabbages in and when they have grown to 3 inches pop them in to your patch!

You nver know.

Mike

[lmpd]

 Make sure your girls can't get near whatever you plant, destructive little blighters they are!!!


A good way to get started growing stuff, is to just go to your local nursery type garden centre (not the sort that sells scented candles and ceramic ornaments) and buy a tray of whatever veg plants they have at that time. That way, you know you're planting at the right time and there's no waiting for germination - instant results. Then before you know it - there'll be green all over your fingers!!!