Hey everyone! After watching a recent video by Miniminuteman about the issues with farmland being controlled by private companies, I've been feeling inspired to grow food to support myself and my local community. I'm really open to any advice or resources to help me get started. What are the best plants to grow, and are there any local charities or groups already working on community gardening that I could connect with? I have a biology degree with some background in Plant Technology, but I'm really just a beginner when it comes to gardening. Oh, and just so you know, I'm located in the south of Devon, around Exeter. Thanks for any tips!
2 Answers
My best tip would be to start local! Look for community gardens or agricultural projects near you. They might have volunteer programs or workshops you can join to learn more about gardening. Walk around your area to spot community gardens and check for notices about volunteering times. Local libraries and Facebook groups are also great resources for community gardening initiatives. If you feel comfortable, sharing your general location can help others give you more specific advice, too!
I have a decent-sized garden and switched from flowers to food plants. While I can’t grow enough to last the whole year, right now I have some extra veggies to share with my neighbors! The easiest crops I've found are squash, potatoes, garlic, and peas. Plus, I've planted some fruit trees and bushes, which took a while to settle, but they provide ample fruit for freezing. It's rewarding—definitely more satisfying than just shopping at the store!
Awesome work! I'm a bit limited on space, so I'm planning to stick with potted plants like tomatoes and raspberries. Any tips on growing those?
Great advice! I reached out to my local community garden and am now checking out the allotment teams!