Growing your own food

This year I’ve started growing more of my own food, and it’s been quite satisfying. I am currently growing herbs, microgreens, carrots and beetroot and my plan is to expand a little each year. I think the time is here where more people are wanting to get back to nature, growing even a small amount of your own food is a simple, rewarding way to do just that. Even a small space can produce something delicious, starting small then adding a little more each year should keep it manageable and enjoyable. I have started to use more foraged fruits this year too.

I am still working on this page

My carrots and beetroot are growing in containers. I planted them in July and they’re coming on beautifully. I have just planted seeds in rows and let them do their thing! Home-grown vegetables really are tastier and where there’s flavour (naturally), there are nutrients.

Vegetables

Try growing your own microgreens

Microgreens are young vegetable seedlings harvested when they’re just a few centimetres tall, but despite their tiny size, they’re bursting with flavour and nutrients. They’re easy to grow at home, even on a windowsill, making them a fun and rewarding project.

I had a go with dandelion microgreens: I collected a seed head, removed the seeds and gently stripped away the fluffy tufts. I filled a small terracotta saucer with seed compost, sprinkled the seeds evenly, covered them lightly, and watered. By misting the tray morning and evening and keeping it in a sunny spot, the tiny shoots were ready to harvest in about 14 days.

The results were tasty, a mild lettuce-like flavour, perfect for adding to salads, sandwiches or smoothies. What is better is that these microgreens are nutrient powerhouses, even more so than the mature leaves. They are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, folate, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium, plus antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Growing them is simple, satisfying and a great way to boost your diet with fresh, homegrown greens. Give it a try, you might be surprised how easy it is!

Herbs

Herbs are incredibly handy to have and they are pretty easy to grow too. I keep rosemary and parsley on my kitchen windowsill, ready to add to cooking whenever I need them.

Foraging in UK Hedgerows

Elderberries
You won’t find fresh elderberries in shops, so foraging is the only way to get them. Pick when the clusters are hanging heavily down and the berries are deep purple-black. They are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, iron and powerful antioxidants that support the immune system. They must be cooked before eating to remove toxins. My elderberry pie recipe is here.

Blackberries
Choose plump, black fruits that pull away easily from the stem. Avoid shrivelled berries. If a berry feels mushy or looks 'cloudy', leave it. Wash in cool water with a splash of vinegar to remove dirt and insects. blackberries are safe to eat raw once checked and washed. They’re loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, fibre and anthocyanins (flavenoids) that help protect cells and support digestion. Their natural sweetness makes them perfect for eating fresh, freezing or baking. My blackberry and apple crumble recipe is here.

Rosehips
Look for bright red, oval hips from the dog rose (Rosa canina). They’re ripe when they feel slightly soft to the touch rather than firm. Rosehips are one of the best natural sources of vitamin C. They’re great for syrups, teas, jams and vinegars to help boost immunity through the winter months. Always strain carefully to remove the fine hairs inside. Rosehip recipe coming soon!

Late summer and autumn are prime time for hedgerow foraging, with elderberries, blackberries and rosehips all ripe for picking. For the best results, pick on dry days when fruit has the most flavour, choose berries growing above knee height to avoid contamination and harvest well away from busy roads to avoid pollution. Carry a basket or tub so your fruit doesn’t get crushed and always leave some behind, as hedgerows are an essential food source for birds and other wildlife.

Elderberry

Blackberry

Rosehip