Hey everyone, I have a bit of a quirky project I want to tackle, and I could really use your insights! I'm dreaming of growing everything I need to make beans on toast from scratch, right here in Northwest England. Yes, I know growing beans on toast isn't literally possible, and there's a lot to unpack here. I'm aware that this might sound like a big waste of time, but there's something incredibly appealing about sourcing and preparing everything myself.
I've got a fully automated greenhouse, so I can create optimal conditions, but I've struggled with growing the beans (Navy/Haricot beans) in the past. What are the best tips and tricks for getting them to thrive? Also, how can I grow my own grains for the bread? I'm looking for something low-maintenance for milling into flour. Finally, I need help with a few other ingredients, including a vegan spread since I'm allergic to milk, sourcing salt for the sauce, and figuring out how to cultivate spices like black pepper. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
Hey there! As for your beans, they generally do better in warmer climates, and while there are new varieties for the UK, I’m not sure if they’re available for home gardens yet. For salt, you can actually make it from seawater, but you’ll need to be careful about pollution. It might be best to find a clean source or a boat trip to collect water. Don’t forget that beans will need a bit of sweetness in the sauce; perhaps growing sugar beet could be something to look into! Also, you can experiment with nasturtium seeds for a black pepper-like flavor, and you could try growing some paprika peppers too. Sunflowers are a good choice for your vegan spread. Garlic and onions are easy to grow, so you should be good there! Good luck with this wild project!
You might also consider using stevia for sweetness; it’s super easy to grow and should work well in your sauce!
I heard about a cool doc called 'The Nettle Dress' that might resonate with your project. Have you seen it?