Top of the crops: Expert guide to the best produce to grow at home as supermarket prices rise
Interest in growing fruit and vegetables at home is surging amid soaring food prices. And with the start of the growing season just around the corner, now is the time to plan.
According to brand new data from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, 35 per cent of UK shoppers are now considering growing their own fruit or vegetables, due to the increased price of food. People aged 18-34 were the age bracket found most likely to consider growing their own fruit and vegetables, at 47 per cent.
To support this surge in interest, an expert from MyBuilder.com has listed a number of items that Brits can start to grow ahead of summer next year that could not only make a difference to the food bill, but are healthier and tastier than shop-bought produce.
An essential starting point for growing most fruits and vegetables is working out where the sunniest spot is. Once the plot is located, consider the needs of what you are trying to grow, and how long they take. Common fruits, such as raspberries, can take over a year to grow, compared to strawberries, which only take approximately six to 12 weeks. To avoid the growing process taking any longer, make sure to regularly prune these fruits, and give them a regular fertiliser boost.
Ellen Fletcher, a gardening expert from MyBuilder.com, says that it’s important to research the conditions that will help your produce thrive, allow them the best access to sunshine, and provide fertiliser.
“If you have some outside space that gets direct sunlight, growing your own food to supplement the weekly shop can be quite feasible and rewarding. Homegrown fruit and veg will also be much fresher and likely more tasty than shop bought.
“If you’re looking to save money, herbs are a great choice for this aim and many are easy to grow. Otherwise, choose products that are difficult to find or expensive to buy from supermarkets.
“Carefully consider the conditions each product needs and do your research. For example, raspberries and rhubarb are shade tolerant, but most plants need sun. Also remember to rotate where you plant your plants each year, for best results.”
To help beginners get started, here’s the recommended top crops for high-yield, low-cost food growing that offer the best return on investment for those with limited space or experience.
Top money savers
Herbs
Herbs are relatively easy to grow, and don’t require much space. Buying from seed takes longer, so consider buying plants that have already grown, are slug resistant, and are easy to maintain. Examples of this include rosemary, thyme, mint, chives, curly leaf parsley and
Greek basil. Avoid coriander outside as it’s attractive to slugs, but it can be grown in a pot indoors.
Raspberries
Despite their small size, raspberries have one the longest growing periods out of any fruit or vegetables. To have them ready by mid-August, prune them immediately after planting, before applying a thick layer of mulch in early Spring to help deter weeds. It’s also recommended that you grow them on a fence, as their canes are tall and floppy, and need support to stay upright.
Garlic
Garlic is a useful vegetable to grow, as it can be replanted each year. But, it can take up to 10 months before its bulbs are ready to harvest, so it's best to plant as soon as possible. In order to grow them effectively, plant individual cloves in well-drained soil, facing upwards.
Best harvest
Tumbling tomatoes
One of the easiest types to grow, tumbling tomatoes can start sprouting from seed in just five days, and take just a couple of months to bear abundant fruit. They can be planted in pots and are great even on balconies if you don’t have a garden.
Courgette
Plant these in pots in early spring, and they will be ready to transfer outside in early summer. Courgettes are great to grow as they are an abundant vegetable, potentially yielding three of four a week at the height of production. The plants need a sunny yet sheltered position when planted, regular watering and also good soil.
Potatoes
Relatively fast-growing, potatoes are able to develop in as little as 12 weeks. In order to grow successfully, dig a trench at least six inches deep and place the seeds along the base, with the roots facing upwards. They also thrive in rich soil, so make sure to use plenty of compost, too.
Here’s what MyBuilder.com says you can prepare to grow just a couple of months before summer:
Strawberries
Strawberries are a popular summer fruit, and they only take between six and 12 weeks to grow. They’re also able to grow both indoors and outdoors, in pots, hanging baskets, or even in the ground. If you do wish to plant them in the ground, get rid of all weeds before you do so, followed by digging in two buckets of compost per square metre.
Rocket
If you’re after salad leaves, rocket is a great choice as it’s hardy and fast-growing. While the plants like sun, they can thrive in partially shaded areas, and they are a cut-and-come-again variety, so will provide a good and consistent crop.
