First some facts. According to Professor Dave Goulson, author of The Garden Jungle: or Gardening to Savethe Planet, we have enough land in our back gardens to produce more fruit and veg than the U K consumes every year. Giving over half of the average garden to growing crops would produce 7 .5 million tonnes of fruit and veg a year in the U K . With national consumption at 6 .9 tonnes, 77 % of which is imported, the benefits of engaging us individuals with this national challenge are obvious. Now add on the studies that show positive links between spending time in nature and improved mental wellbeing, and the proof is there to see – as individuals we can actually make a difference to ourselves, our communities and our future. And it all begins in our ow n backyard. Or balcony. O r window box . Let us ex plain.
THERE’S NO SPACE TOO SMALL
One of the misconceptions about growing edibles at home is that you need a generous garden. Not true. S mall spaces lend themselves to herbs, which can be grow n on balconies and window sills. Although they don’t take up much space, herbs go an extraordinarily long way, enlivening home cooked dishes with distinct flavour as w ell as making soothing and restorative herbal teas. Try growing straw berries in hanging baskets, chillies in plant pots that clip to drainpipes (selfatering!) and salad leaves in loaf tins on the w indow sill.