Further information

Get Staines Growing is an initiative by Elmsleigh Shopping Centre in Staines which aims to educate the local community on how to grow their own.

Growing your own veg saves money, helps the environment and is healthier – so there’s no reason why everyone shouldn’t be doing it. All it takes is a little know how and we’ll all be green fingered in no time.

Partnering with local gardening centre, Vermuelens and national organisation Urban Allotments, Elmsleigh wants this campaign to halt the decline of knowledge and participation in home growing. Even in city dwellings you can grow everything from flowers to herbs to veg.

Here are a few hints and tips from the experts to help you get started:

Number one – you don’t need a garden

Anything can be a pot; whether it’s a teacup, a bucket or even an old wellington boot – you can grow in literally anything and there are some great solutions out there for small spaces…

Try heading down to Vermuelens Garden Centre on the Horton Road, Staines for a selection of bargain pots along with expert advice

For the more style conscious, check out urban-allotments.com for a quirky collection of pots, troughs and hanging baskets.

Number two – plan what to grow when

Now we’re heading into late summer, we’re limited as to what we can grow, but there are some great all year round veggies everyone can have a go at.

Lettuces, peppers, onions, chillies, tomatoes, spring onions and lots of salad crops can be grown in beds year round.

Seeds at Vermuelens can be picked up for less than £2.00 a pack or around £2.99 for 6 plants.

Number three – it’s not hard work

It’s simple to tend to your sprouting veg patch – all you need is sun, water, soil and most importantly…enthusiasm

If you really want to cheat, why not try one of Urban Allotments’ ready made packages complete with plants, soil, container and instructions – couldn’t be simpler…

Useful links:

Check these sites out for all the latest ideas and help.

www.urban-allotments.com
www.vermeulens.co.uk
www.growfruitandveg.co.uk
www.rhs.org.uk/growyourown
www.growveg.com
www.soilassociation.org