Growing your own as 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 new data from MyBuilder.com, 35% of UK shoppers are now considering growing their own fruit or vegetables, due to the rising food prices. People aged 18-34 are most likely to consider growing their own produce, at 47%.
The increase occurs as food price inflation continues to pressure household budgets across Britain, worsening the nationwide cost of living crisis.
To support this rise in interest and need, Ellen Fletcher, a gardening expert from MyBuilder.com, has listed several items that Brits can start growing ahead of next summer. They can not only cut the food bill but are healthier and tastier than shop-bought produce.
Finding the right spot
A key starting point for growing most fruits and vegetables is finding the sunniest spot. Once the plot is located, consider the needs of what you are trying to grow, and how long it takes. Some crops produce quickly, while others require patience.
For example, raspberries can take over a year to grow, compared to strawberries, which only take approximately 6 to 12 weeks. To prevent the growing process from taking longer, make sure to regularly prune these fruits and give them a regular fertiliser boost.
Expert advice for beginners
Ellen Fletcher says that it’s important to research the conditions that will help your produce thrive, give 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 tastier than shop-bought.”
“If you’re looking to save money, herbs are a great choice, as many are easy to grow. Otherwise, choose products that are difficult to find or expensive in supermarkets.”
She also recommends carefully researching plant conditions:
“Raspberries and rhubarb are relatively shade-tolerant, but most plants need sun. It’s also important to rotate crops each year for the best results.”
To help beginners get started, here are the recommended top crops for high-yield, low-cost food production, offering the best return on investment for those with limited space or experience.
Herbs
Herbs are relatively easy to grow and don’t require much space.
Buying from seed takes longer, so consider buying plants that are already grown, are slug-resistant, and easy to maintain. Examples include rosemary, thyme, mint, chives, curly leaf parsley, and Greek basil.
Most herbs are hardy and low-maintenance, though coriander can attract slugs outdoors and may be better grown in pots indoors.
Raspberries
Despite their small size, raspberries have one of the longest growing periods among commonly grown fruits.
To have them ready by mid-August, prune them immediately after planting, and then apply a thick layer of mulch in early spring to help deter weeds. It’s also advisable to 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. However, it can take up to 10 months for its bulbs to be ready for harvest, so it’s best to plant them as early as possible.
To grow them effectively, plant individual cloves in well-drained soil, with the cloves facing upwards.
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Crops with the best harvest
According to MyBuilder.com, these crops deliver the greatest output:
Tumbling tomatoes
Tumbling tomatoes are among the easiest to grow; they can start sprouting from seed in just 5 days and take only a couple of months to produce abundant fruit. They can be planted in pots and are ideal 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 excellent to grow as they are an abundant vegetable, potentially yielding three to four a week at the height of production. The plants need a sunny yet sheltered position when planted, regular watering, and good soil.
Potatoes
Potatoes are relatively fast-growing and can be ready in as little as 12 weeks.
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 ensure to use plenty of compost as well.
Quick crops before summer
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 take only 6 to 12 weeks to grow.
They can also be grown 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 first, then dig in two buckets of compost per square metre.
Rocket
For those looking to grow salad leaves, rocket is a hardy and fast-growing option.
While the plants like the sun, they can thrive in partially shaded areas and are a “cut-and-come-again” crop, meaning leaves can be harvested repeatedly throughout the season.
