Growing your own is heralded as cheap and easy.  I beg to differ. I have not fully costed all the seeds, compost and other paraphernalia but cheap is not a word I’d use.  Neither is easy.  You have to have your wits about you, pay close attention to detail and have a system going that will reward you with plentiful supply of good things to eat.  I’m sure I’ll get the hang of things eventually but for now growing some of the basics like salads are not the rip roaring success I read about in books and magazines.

Radishes to be fair are my friend.  They pop up almost within minutes and are so tasty.  The lettuces and rocket seem to be moody and testing my patience.  I’ve tried growing from seed in the patch and in the barn.  I probably have enough growing right now for one portion of salad.  Unless we want to survive on radish I’ve got to improve.  Just the thought of eating more of the leaves washed in chemicals and packed with gas is enough of an incentive to try harder.

And therein lies the problem.  Whilst I can nip to the shops to stock up growing food is always going to be a sideline.  I’ve thought about whether to throw my lot in and just stop buying to force me towards self sufficiency at a faster pace.  And then I think of how hungry I would have been in the last couple of months.  Must try harder is what I’ve put on my report card for salads although I’m pleased with the way that other things are starting to thrive in the kitchen garden.

Broad beans are almost ready, fruit is gearing up and the backyard pantry is stocked with potatoes, carrots, fennel, beetroot, kohlrabi, cabbage, broccoli, garlic, red onions, courgettes, artichokes, leeks, peas and beans. It’s not all bad.  I just wish my Friday night home made pizza was served with a fresh salad harvested minutes before from the potager a few steps from the back door.