A complete beginner with unusual conditions

Hello all,

My first ever post and looking for some advice.  I have wanted to grow my own veg for years now and it has been continually pushed down the 'to do' list. However, I am determined to start and so looking for tips on where to get the basics explained to me.

As my username suggests, I live on a boat so any growing is going to be confined to containers on the deck (albeit a quite large deck!).

The things I am looking to find out before I get going are...

Is it going to be a problem that my growing area is so exposed? When the sun appears it is scorching on deck and when the wind blows, it is very exposed.

What veg like container growing? Obviously I want to grow things I will eat but would like to know which vegetables are likely to put up with an inexperienced gardener.

Is it worth me looking into composting? Or is this just necessary for larger plots? And is it even possible in my circumstances?

A website or similar where I can find out about the terms I see so often on other pages, 'Chitting' 'Pinching out' etc.

Any advice and pointers much appreciated!

Chitting is what happens when you leave potatoes for a few weeks and they begin to sprout. Some  people use the term instead of 'pre germinate'.
Pinching out is when you want a plant such as a tomato to grow tall but not into a bush. You pick off all the side shoots when they are small.

Welcome, boatdweller.

Welcome to the site 

I would be careful about plants / containers that are too tall, such  as runner or climbing beans.  They can become a bit like a sail in windy conditions, and fall over / off your boat, unless you've got them actually tied on to something to stop this happening.

Get a book on container growing and I don't see any reason why you shouldn't have a decent range of crops. 

how nice a boat, potentially weed free!!!!

...And pest!    No 'wabbits' to come and munch your greens.

Living on a boat??... Are you (maybe) able to move to some where sheltered if weather conditions get really bad, then return when it settles down?

Could this help with your growing?

Hi boatdweller and welcome to the forum 

You already have a lot of advice here, but I would just like to add that wet compost is very heavy so do make sure you have your containers in just the right place on deck before filling them.

There is masses you can grow, and with a smallish space iiwm I would concentrate on things I liked to eat that are expensive to buy or tasteless when bought.

Strawberries spring to mind, blue berries are worthwhile in pots amongst many others.

Look forward to hearing more from you 

Quote from: azubah on May 16, 2012, 17:37

Pinching out is when you want a plant such as a tomato to grow tall but not into a bush. You pick off all the side shoots when they are small.

Not necessarily!

It also refers to nipping out the growing tip to actually make a plant bush, just the opposite!

Good point. That covers all the options.

just a very quick thought , there is lots of mini veg about now that can be grown in small spaces , even cauli and sprouts are available now , neat and sweet is a brill bush tomato ,
whether is pots , troughs or grow bags , most things can be grown if you chose the right plants or seed , and keep watered or protected
good luck and welcome