The Real Scottish Vegetable Garden
Some basic gardening tips
Gardening is like anything else: you can't just start from scratch, know everything straight away, and expect overnight success (along with other cliches). But if you're just starting out, there are a few things to think about before you put a spade in the soil...
Whether you've got a garden, an allotment, or window box, there will be something you can grow
A beginning is a very delicate time... Know then that it's quite alright to start slowly, it's quite alright to not know what you're doing, and it's certainly alright to fail a few times before you get it right! What you grow will depend on how much time you have, how much money you have, and how much space you have. But whatever your situation, there will always be something you can grow.
Peat belongs in a bog, not in your garden
Peat bogs are amazing places, not only for wildlife, but for people too. They're beautiful to look at, and great to visit, but more importantly, they're a massive store of carbon, and can impact upon issues such as flooding and water quality.
Peat is a cheap growing medium that you will be offered in abundance at the garden centre, but you should avoid it wherever possible. Effective alternatives should always be available, and if they're not, ask why!
Going organic doesn't have to be complicated
We've been using inorganic chemicals to grow food in this country for well over a century, and while they have their place, if you're growing your own, you get to choose whether or not you want to use them. Pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers can all make your life easier in the garden, but they are not essential for success. Relying on natural predators, making compost, and doing some weeding is just as effective, and is certainly more sympathetic to the environment. Plus, you'll be helping to preserve your soil for all the people who might want to use it after you.
Garden for wildlife
Your plot is a mini nature reserve. Whether you have a 20 acre garden, or a couple of containers, it's easy to plant with wildlife in mind.
Flowers are a good way to support pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while gardening organically should mean that your'e avoiding toxic chemicals. Consider planting a wildflower meadow, if you have the space, and feeding the birds, particualrly during the winter, will help to support vulnerable species, such as house sparrows.