The Frugal Veg Garden

Comment by Colin Robinson on March 7, 2013 at 21:49

The best frugal advice I can give is to make as much of your own compost and feed as you possibly can. Because I grow such a lot in containers it would cost a fortune if I used commercial products although I do buy a good quality seed compost. I don't spend a lot on seeds and for what you get back the cost is irrelevant. I also sow individual seeds, even small ones like carrots and lettuce. It's a bit of a faff but easy with a bit of practice.

Comment by elaine rickett on March 7, 2013 at 22:48

Do you find that plants grow well with just your own compost or do you mix it up a bit with bought stuff.

Comment by Colin Robinson on March 7, 2013 at 23:24

I mix cheap grow bag stuff and mole hill soil in with it to bulk it out and get very good results. I always ask for garden vouchers for Christmas so I can pay for the grow bags :)

Comment by elaine rickett on March 8, 2013 at 8:08

excellent idea

Comment by Lynn Howarth on March 9, 2013 at 22:50

I got my compost bins and 5 barrow-fulls of soil from my local freecycle network, it's always worth posting what you're looking for just in case somebody has some. The soil was of a great consistency and destined for the landfill site.

Comment by elaine rickett on March 9, 2013 at 23:24

I don't think we have Freecycle near us - at least we didn't when I last looked.

Comment by Southbourne Gardens on March 10, 2013 at 9:49

A tip for Freecycle - try the 'browse groups' to look for local listings rather than the postcode search.

Comment by elaine rickett on March 10, 2013 at 10:42

Thanks for the info

Comment by David Ford on March 10, 2013 at 13:17

It`s a hobby for me so I am not too concerned with cost but I will try Lidl seeds this year after good reports, it vexed me last year when I sowed three lots of expensive carrot seeds and they all failed

Comment by Colin Robinson on March 10, 2013 at 13:31

I've had great success with Lidl seeds the last two years but I wouldn't recommend the tomato Harzfeuer unless you like tough skins. It gave me an early and heavy crop but I think it's a variety more suited to the commercial grower who needs fruit that will travel well.

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