How to Start a Kitchen Garden

Caroline has several personal gardens, but her most prized is a kitchen garden. She loves the edible plants she grows for herself and her family. Caroline was quite happy to share her knowledge of her family’s kitchen garden.

Where and how did you learn to garden?

At home, from my father and books.

What types of gardens do you have?

Vegetables and flowers.

What made you decide to grow a kitchen garden?

There has always been a kitchen garden here and we enjoy home grown produce

Is it hard to start a kitchen garden?

I don’t know as it was already here.

How big is your kitchen garden?

Approximately 1/4 acre.

What herbs, fruits, edible flowers, or vegetables to grow?

Grapes, figs, apples, pears, cherries, greengages, plums, raspberries, blueberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, rhubarb, potatoes, parsnips, carrots, leeks, broad beans, runner beans, French beans, peas, zucchini, squash, pumpkins, salad leaves, arugula, cucumbers, tomatoes, aubergines, asparagus, fennel, dill, basil, sage, mint, chives, oregano, thyme, parsley, coriander, sunflowers.

What’s your favorite plant in your kitchen garden?

Rhubarb because it is a perennial and requires no attention!

Any plants that you don’t like to grow?

Broccoli and cauliflower as they are too slug-ridden!

Do you always grow the same plants every year?

Pretty much with the occasional new one added

Do you ever sell anything you grow?

Yes, if there is a glut the children sell figs, courgettes, tomatoes, beans.

Do you save money by growing your own food?

I don’t think so as I also have some paid help with digging, etc.

Is it true that what you grow in your garden tastes better than what you buy at the store?

Definitely!

How many hours a week do you devote to your kitchen garden?

12 hours in spring and summer but very little in the winter.

What advice can you give to any future kitchen gardeners?

Not to imagine that you will have cheap food and to remember it takes much longer to prepare than vegetables you buy in the shops!