While I know that it is still only October, and there are many months to go before the next gardening season, I have been thinking about what I’d like to grow this upcoming spring and summer. While unconventional, I love gardening so much that it occupies my thinking even months before start of the season!
When I started gardening several years ago, I gardened almost exclusively flowers, particularly roses. Growing flowers is such a relaxing, beautiful experience, and, while I still grow plenty of flowers, my efforts have definitely shifted to growing vegetables and herbs, which I can use in the kitchen. That sort of thing can be quite invaluable, particularly as a vegan!
Not only am I vegan, but my diet also has various restrictions, which are intended to keep me away from certain foods that cause certain health issues. In particular, I’m supposed to stay away from nightshades, which include tomatoes. That isn’t a terrible sacrifice, however, especially given that summers in London aren’t particularly hot, which means that they are not very supportive of growing vegetables like tomatoes.
I’m currently very much enjoying growing things like lettuce, cabbage, carrots, radishes, onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, peas, kale and an abundance of herbs including mint, chamomile, sage, parsley, rosemary, dill, and oregano. Oh my, just listing these items is starting to make me feel so hungry!
It can be difficult to find a plot of dirt to grow a garden in a big city like London. Fortunately I live in one of the more quiet neighbourhoods with my parents, who have a little plot of land which is perfect for gardening. My parents are gardeners as well, but there is enough space to accommodate a couple raised beds for my gardening needs.
This year I’m thinking of having a winter or early spring garden composed mostly of herbs and vegetables that do fairly well in colder, less sunny conditions. The goal is to have a decent amount of fresh produce from my own garden to use in the kitchen on a daily basis.
Are any of you gardeners? I’d love to hear what you grow and what your plans are for the next growing season!
Sincerely,
Becky