Armchair
gardener
By Violet Lutea
The Edible Garden
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There is something
magical about growing something you can eat from seed. Almost
everyone must remember the childhood delight watching cress
growing from the seeds you planted a week before, or a broad
bean pushing up two satisfyingly fat leaves from the side
of a jam jar. Although I found it hard to believe that broad
beans were actually edible. Rediscovering that joy is one
of reasons to try growing your own food, flavour and health,
(no pesticides or chemicals if you choose,) are other reasons
too. |
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There are many plants commonly grown in the average garden
that are edible, and they can be very decorative. There is no
need to grow them in rows or in large quantities just because
they are food. Gardens were originally used for growing a few
vegetables, herbs and salad crops close to the house. You can
even grow strawberries and trailing tomatoes (Tumbling Tom)
in hanging baskets. You can have baby salad leaves in your window
box, unusual salads, expensive in the shops, are easy and you
can grow successive plantings from early spring to late summer. |
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Even some flowers are edible and look fantastic in a salad.
Don’t forget to check out which ones are for eating and
which ones are not before you serve them up at dinner party.
Nasturtiums, roses and borage flowers are all safe and if you
don’t fancy eating them you can use them as a garnish.
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Suggested salad leaves to use
as baby salads are: lettuce, most varieties, (radichio lettuce
is good), rocket, Chinese cress, spinach, parsley, sorrel,
basil and some varieties of beetroot. |
Please keep them coming. Send your
articles on Gardening and Home to editor@anAurora.co.uk
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