Comments & Questions !

I grew some onions in pure compost, in a tub, and some in the veg garden. The ones I put in the open garden all vanished & the ones in the tub were fantastic, we loved them. Want to grow more. I think you can grow them over winter - but would it be ok in tubs ?
My potatoes were a success as well, we got loads, but they go to mush so I will try steaming them instead.
My strawberries were ok, but I was given them already settled in 2 long window boxes. The water just ran out of them very fast, and they seem overcrowded. I have laid them in a sheltered corner and will maybe need to spread them out a bit for next year.
I desperately need to get lettuce right, mine all died on me - horrible pale things that screamed and fainted.
I want to ask how to grow broccoli ? And is cauli easy ?

 

Lot's of questions!

Your onions were probably takes by mice or squirrels.. try covering them next year.

Cauliflower is quite difficult, broccoli is easy, get the seed sown in early summer next year.

Lettuce can be hard, but shouldn't be!.. it won't germinate when it's too warm, it hates sitting in damp conditions, but needs regular watering. other salad leaves like sorrel, rocket and mizuna are easier.

 

I think maybe other leaves would be better then, lettuce sounds like a faff. TY - re cauli thats a pain .

 

Cut and come again lettuce is dead easy, and takes up less space. I grow Lollo Rossa and 'Salad Bowl'.

Big fat lettuces like Cos are slightly more tricky because they need longer in the ground and take up more space. Try different varieties though - some are easier than others. "webbs wonderful" is very reliable and easy.

Brocolli is easy too. Sow in modules next spring, plant out after the last frost, and use it as a cut and come again type - so cut little florets as and when you need them and more will grow in their place. Don't try and grow big, single florets like you see in the supermarket. But again, do some research on the best varieties to suit your needs.

 

brilliant help thanks !

 

I've decided not to grow onions next year.

They take a lot of ground space for a long time, and since I only really use them for cooking there's little difference in flavour or cost with cheap supermarket ones.

I'm going to dedicate the onion patch to doing more of the veg that saves me loads of cash and is much tastier than supermarket stuff - cucumbers or carrots or corn or something.

 

I like onions, and found the taste of the home grown ones much better than tescos ones But I agree that cost is the main reason for choosing what to grow. I spend £1 a week on lettuce and would dearly love to grow them.. but the horrible wee s*ds wouldn't co-operate !

 

I don't find lettuces difficult, but I do start them off in 9cm pots and then plant out (I find that makes it easier to control the succession; I never have a problem with the weather when I sow them and then planting out can take place within a week or two of "optimum", so I can accommodate the weather (and me!) quite a bit.