Advice needed for novice on new container garden!

Hi,

I've just moved a couple months ago into a new place and am getting to grips with the garden finally. My house used to have a blind person living here so it has been untouched for years. At the moment it's shabby, but my dream is to harvest yummy veg next year! Nom! In my last place my flatmate took the lead and we harvested some lovely stuff.

Below is a pic. What I've done today is remove some grass and dead climbers, and move the dozen or so containers into the centre, to take an itinerary. I appear to have a couple of small olive tree and the rest of the containers, nothing special. The place gets sun in one corner mainly (photo taken at 1pm, I think the front of the house is south facing). There's a greenhouse but no door.



There's also a gaping hole in the fence that probably deserves my attention.


My questions are,

1) Containers: is the best thing to empty the containers and get fresh compost, or can I check the soil is good and weed them?
2) Do I need to focus my planting in the one corner that gets good sun? I'd quite like to make some seating out of palates to get some rays too.
3) What is worth doing at this time of year? I have a small budget.

David

 

welcome

 

@fat controller that's good advice (realistic!)

I think gardening makes way more sense motivationally when there's spring round the corner, or we're at least past the Christmas landmark. (I'm not sure what vehicle I'm using in this metaphor - walking round a village symbolising a year?)

Hooray to a glass of something and pursuing misguided (but probably healthy) hobbies.

 

Welcome to Gardeners Corner

Yep, you've got the winter to clean out and get things ready for spring. Be worth layering the old compost in the containers with kitchen waste and cardboard over the winter.

 

to GC David.

FC has given you some good advice re: clearing/cleaning/planning

I've just moved to a new home too recently and, like your garden, it had been neglected and gets minimal sun.
With that in mind, you may find this RHS article of interest as it will help answer your Question 2: Shade Planting see also their advice on Veg in Containers
That should get you started and thinking for next year
Looking forward to getting to know you around the forums

 

Great advice. Ill consider the kitchen waste. The council takes it away... Should be okay though (apart from avocado stones. They suck.)

@M (woof!) shade planting sounds perfect. I just want the plants to be happy and work with what I've got.