first steps to a successful veggie garden

1. Start now - don’t wait until next year or until you’ve got more time, more space, a better place. The supermarket has seeds, potting mix and pots if you need to buy them.

2. Make it small - try a 120cm square and you’ll fit most of my top seven winter crops.

3. Keep it close - the closer your vegetables are to your house (or ideally your kitchen), the more successful they’ll be. You’ll remember to water, feed and pick them. Try a back step salad.

4. Keep them moist - at this time of year vegetables need plenty of water. Use a watering can with a fine rose. If you’ve sown seeds use a hand-mister until they germinate.

5. Make it instant - buy some seedlings, some potting mix and plant up pots of salad. Sow some radishes -they’ll also be ready in four to six weeks. We all like a quick fix, particularly in the New Year. Here are today’s sowings and plantings.

If you feel you’d like a bit more help, then sign up for the fresh food garden course this Saturday or on Saturday 31st January 2009. It’s a relaxed and friendly environment and everyone leaves with plenty of enthusiasm.