Another new gardener!

Hi all, just joined the site.

Sorry for the download, but here goes:

I am going to retire in a few years and gardening is one of the ways I want to spend my time, when the time comes.

I have grown flowers, toms, chillies etc., in the past, mainly in pots, and with mixed results, but I’ve never really engaged properly and that is what I want to do now.

I have dug up some of the lawn, put in some raised beds and I have a brand new greenhouse - 8x10.

I want to mainly grow veg for the table, but also flowers in the borders and for cuttings for indoors.

I love a cucumbers and I like the idea of growing them vertically in the greenhouse (which I have seen on Gardeners World). I have no idea on varieties or where to buy seeds, but I am also looking at other veg and salad…

In terms of what I have done so far; I have subscribed to Gardeners World magazine, which is brilliant; I have bought a few books which I have dipped into and of course I have discovered this site. I also watch/listen to gardening progs on TV and radio.

Immediate priorities are to understand soil and compost - a complete mystery to me. I think I need to build a compost heap/bin(s), but don’t know where to start.

Things like ‘feed’ and watering are also a bit of a blind spot.

I am sure lots of reading will move me in the right direction, but if there any useful short cuts I’d love to get started soon, with spring not far away.

I am also looking for good ideas for easy to grow, high yielding veg/herbs etc., but would also welcome suggestions for colourful/beautiful flowering plants (I know that is ridiculously general!).

I need to start learning names of things!

Anyway, all suggestions would be welcome!

Thanks,

Tony

 

looks like the gardening bug has bit.

I grow cucumbers vertical I tend to grow different varieties every year but one I'd recommend is passandra it's the one cucumber I go back to. good place to buy seeds from is premier seeds direct.

The feeding and watering can vary from plant to plant

 

Welcome to Gardener's Corner, @TonyNewbie Only by reading & doing (also asking questions! [Remember, there's no such thing as a silly/stupid question!]) will you begin to get to grips with gardening.

I grew cucumbers in the greenhouse I shared with a friend some years ago & I got lots of cukes! I also bought lots of seeds at Premier seeds on eBay for a couple of years & they were very good!

 

@TonyNewbie,
Welcome to the site. Its always useful to know roughly where in the World questioners are, so that regional adjustment be made to advice.
My personal choice for seeds is realseeds.co.uk but also buy cheaper options at Lidl. There is a active thread regarding composts, and the changes coming about:
Best supplier of compost 2024

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Thanks for all the replies, very helpful.

I am in sunny Essex (UK)!

Cheers, Tony

 

Great info!! Thanks.