Choose the right crops
Grow vegetables that you and your household will actually eat. Choose varieties that suit your available space, soil and the amount of time you have to care for them.
Growing vegetables
Practical UK growing guide
Growing vegetables
Practical advice for growing healthy vegetables, making the most of your space and enjoying bigger harvests from your garden, allotment or containers.
You do not need a huge garden or years of experience to grow vegetables. Good results usually come from choosing suitable crops, preparing the soil, giving plants enough space and keeping on top of watering and harvesting.
Start with the basics
Prepare the soil
Remove weeds, loosen compacted soil and add compost or well-rotted organic matter. Healthy soil gives crops a much stronger start.
Give plants enough space
Crowded plants compete for light, water and nutrients. Follow the spacing instructions on the seed packet, even if the gaps look large at first.
Water properly
Water thoroughly rather than giving plants a small amount every day. Water the soil around the roots and try to avoid wetting the leaves during bright sunshine.
Feed when needed
Some crops benefit from extra feeding once they are actively growing or producing fruit. Tomatoes, courgettes and other hungry crops often need regular nourishment.
Harvest regularly
Picking vegetables regularly encourages many plants to keep producing. Courgettes, beans, peas and salad leaves are especially productive when harvested frequently.
A big harvest starts with good planning
It is easy to sow too much at once and end up with more vegetables than you can use. Sow smaller amounts at regular intervals so your crops are ready over a longer period.
Vegetables that are good for beginners
Potatoes
Productive and forgiving, potatoes are a useful first crop for new growers. They can be grown in the ground, raised beds or containers.
Runner beans
A few plants can provide a generous harvest when given strong supports, regular water and plenty of sunlight.
Courgettes
Courgettes are easy to grow but very productive. One or two plants may be enough for a household.
Salad leaves
Salad leaves grow quickly and can be harvested young. Sow little and often for a steady supply.
Radishes
Radishes are quick to grow and useful for filling small gaps between slower-growing crops.
Herbs
Herbs can be grown in containers, borders or small spaces close to the kitchen. Choose the ones you use most.
How to encourage bigger harvests
- Choose crops suited to your soil and growing space.
- Prepare the soil before sowing or planting.
- Sow in stages rather than all at once.
- Keep weeds under control while crops are young.
- Water deeply during dry periods.
- Protect crops from slugs, birds and other pests.
- Support climbing plants before they become difficult to manage.
- Harvest regularly and do not leave mature crops too long.
- Make notes so you know what to grow more of next year.
Grow what you will enjoy eating
The best vegetable garden is not necessarily the biggest one. Start with a few reliable crops, learn what works in your space and build from there. A handful of well-cared-for plants can produce an impressive harvest.