I’m the UK’s Minister for Nature – my ‘cut and come again’ garden method is a must, you’ll always have more to eat
A GREEN-FINGERED mom has revealed the simple tricks she uses to grow a variety of foods for her family.
She said it doesn’t take years of gardening experience and lots of space to nurture crops at home.
Rebecca Pow MP is the UK’s Minister for Nature and also the first female Conservative Member of Parliament that Taunton Deane has had.
She previously hosted her own gardening TV show and in 2018 was awarded a Green Heart Hero Award by The Climate Coalition.
The mom-of-three, who has lived on a farm her entire life, told The U.S. Sun that it’s “easy” to grow food.
She said prior experience isn’t needed when adding a vegetable patch to your garden as there are instructions on every seed pack and plenty of information available.
PICK A SUNNY SPOT
“Even in the smallest space, you will be able to grow something,” Rebecca said.
“A light spot is recommended and an outside tap is helpful for watering purposes.
“Better still a water butt [rainwater storage unit] then the water is free.
“Growing vegetables is rewarding and fun as you watch the plants develop before your eyes, so give it a go.
“You will make mistakes but that’s how you learn – I’ve made plenty.
“I tend to grow what is easy and tasty.
“I have a very busy working life but for me being able to harvest some homegrown vegetables is one of life’s absolute pleasures.”
Over 200 shoppers have bought a 53-gallon collapsible rain barrel from Amazon’s Vevor store in the past month.
The water butt, which costs $43.99, holds gallons of water while keeping bugs out for multiple garden needs.
PLANT TASTY SEEDS
Rebecca said she plants different potato varieties to have a constant supply.
She revealed her favorite plants to grow with minimal effort also include leafy vegetables, onions, and herbs.
“Cut and come again salad leaves are a must,” she said.
Easy gardening tips to save money, maximize space, and repel pests
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- Banana peels, vinegar, and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells four packs of seeds for $1.25.
- Try a vertical planter like Amazon's Mr. Stacky 5 Tier Stackable Planter, $35 to make more use of a small space.
- Use netting like the Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, from Amazon to keep away bugs that eat your vegetables.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce the use of pesticides and keep pests away from your garden. Deliberately growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip, and chives.
- For pesky weeds in your garden, the Grampa's Weeder - The Original Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles, $45, from Amazon is a helpful tool you can use without having to bend over.
“These mixed salad leaves grow fast so that you can crop them continuously.
“I always grow potatoes because there is nothing better than new potatoes freshly dug, steamed, and served with lashings of butter and homegrown mint.
“Radishes grow within just weeks, and there are some delicious mild varieties, like French Breakfast.
“Dipped in mayonnaise they are dreamy.
“Other top favorites: Dwarf French beans, onions, carrots, baby turnips, spinach (which last ages), and a range of herbs including rocket.”
Walmart sells sweet salad mix seeds for $1.96 and rocket seeds for $2.46.
The grocery store states both packs should be sown in early spring in full sun for harvest in 30-35 days.
Now, is also the time to plant seed potatoes for harvest in the summer.
Starting to make your own compost is also really useful and becomes rather addictive
Rebecca Pow
“I find that the easiest way to grow vegetables is in a raised bed,” Rebecca said.
“This contains the area, is easy to divide up with different crops, and looks attractive.
“It is basically a rectangle created from treated wood.
“Ensure it is the width of your arm to the center so that you can easily tend the vegetables without walking on the soil.”
Costway’s 47 x 35.5 Patio Raised Garden Bed is currently discounted for $79 to $45.99 at Walmart.
Customers have given it a 4.7-star rating after using it to grow plants, flowers, vegetables, and herbs.
ENRICH THE SOIL
“Starting to make your own compost is also really useful and becomes rather addictive,” Rebecca said.
“It is then a great free material for improving your soil.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
According to National Trust, compost can be made from any decomposed organic material.
It can take two months to one year to be ready to use, depending on how finely the ingredients are chopped up, the temperature, and how often it is turned.
