What Fruits and Veggies Can I Grow in London Without a Greenhouse?
Asked by G4rd3nLover92
I'm curious about what types of fruits and vegetables can be grown in London without the need for a greenhouse. Even though our brussel sprouts and berries managed to survive the winter, I'm really hoping to learn about salad vegetables that can handle the cold. A bit more context: we have a large, mostly south-facing yard since we're on the outskirts of the city. However, I've had a tough time with tomatoes and peppers—they both died last year.
Answers
When it comes to salad greens, you can grow loads of different types like lettuce, cucumbers, radishes, beetroot, and even microgreens without a greenhouse. Just keep in mind that these are all annual plants, so you'll have to plant them each spring.
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You can easily grow microgreens or salad leaves right on a windowsill, and raspberries do well in sunny spots. If you're looking for space-efficient options, consider Tumbling Tom tomatoes and climbing French beans since they’ll keep producing for a long time! You might want to check out Mark Ridsill Smith's Vertical Veg for more ideas.
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Typically, people in England plant tomatoes, peppers, and courgettes anew each year. Even hardy things like kale and strawberries can thrive. Just remember that most things like cabbage and brussels won't keep growing indefinitely—they’ll eventually be harvested!
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While tomatoes and peppers need to be replanted each year, a lot of other fruits can come back year after year. Raspberries, blackberries, black currants, rhubarb, strawberries, and even gooseberries are all great choices. If you've got the space, you might also consider adding a small apple or plum tree to your garden!
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I've had luck with a variety of fruits like apples, pears, cherries, plums, apricots, and even goji berries. For veggies, I've grown pumpkins, potatoes, spinach, sweetcorn, onions, and garlic without any issues. You should definitely give them a shot!
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G4rd3nLover92: Thanks for the tips!