What type of produce do you grow?

[preppingsu]

These books have really helped us and kept us focused on one persons perspective. I'm sure other have their own preferred gardening books.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Grow-Your-Own-V ... 269&sr=8-4

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Grow-Your-Own-F ... 269&sr=8-6

[Rosesandtea]

I look for things I think will grow well for me - I don't have a greenhouse so I get cucumbers bred to grow outside, etc. For potatoes I look for ones that are blight resistent. Above all I get things I think we will eat - with radishes being the exception. I just can't resist planting radishes - they grow so fast and there are such pretty one! (and really, most do get eaten)

[maxilaura]

These books have really helped us and kept us focused on one persons perspective. I'm sure other have their own preferred gardening books.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Grow-Your-Own-V ... 269&sr=8-4

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Grow-Your-Own-F ... 269&sr=8-6

Thanks Su, I will try to get those books as well. I have ordered the book "Pot it, grow it, eat it" which someone previously mentioned on the forum as well, and should be getting it shortly. I am also reading a book called the "Allotment Chef" for ideas. I am going to try the container growth first to see how I do, and may dig up a bit of the garden later for beds if all goes well.

Off topic question - are you allowed to keep chickens in your back yard in a residential area or do you need to get permission from the borough council?

[maxilaura]

I look for things I think will grow well for me - I don't have a greenhouse so I get cucumbers bred to grow outside, etc. For potatoes I look for ones that are blight resistent. Above all I get things I think we will eat - with radishes being the exception. I just can't resist planting radishes - they grow so fast and there are such pretty one! (and really, most do get eaten)

I love most veggies but can't say radishes are one of them.

[diamond lil]

For me here, the local council told me that up to 6 hens are "pets" and ok , but over 6 are "livestock" and you have to ask .

[preppingsu]

I don't think you need to get permission to keep chickens - we haven't - but obviously you need to take into account the size of garden/space available, how close your neighbours are and would they mind etc.
We are fortunate to have a fairly large garden so they have a large coop and run plus time in the garden too. They can also be very noisy and sometimes smelly. However, we keep the neighbours sweet with lovely fresh eggs!!!!!

[preppingsu]

This might answer any questions you have (or it might just make more..... )

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environment ... /DG_189309

[maxilaura]

Thanks Su.

[Brambles]

Because I have a limited space and I'm really pants at growing in containers, I grow my favourite foods that are expensive or difficult to buy, or that store well. Whenever I can, I use non hybrid (heirloom) seeds just in case I want to save my own seed.

[the-gnole]

Has anyone looked at the square foot gardening techniques?