While in New York, I chanced upon a rooftop farm and had a realization that cultivating food was my true calling. However, there are certainly more conventional ways to embark on the journey of growing edible plants.
Upon returning to London after this enlightening experience, I encountered the challenge of growing without a garden, given that even my windowsills were too narrow for a window box. To overcome this obstacle, I dedicated my spare time to volunteering in community gardens and city farms, immersing myself in the fundamentals of sowing, nurturing, and harvesting.
As I assisted various growers in their tasks, they generously shared their wisdom and expertise with me during our collective efforts in harvesting, weeding, and mulching.
Seeking advice from local gardeners, whether it be a neighbor whose flourishing crops captivate your attention or an allotment mate with an impressive plot, proves invaluable in understanding what thrives and struggles in your specific environment. Despite obtaining a horticultural qualification since then, I firmly believe that the most valuable lessons I’ve learned stem from my interactions with devoted plant enthusiasts.
However, volunteering remains a luxury afforded by those with ample free time, a commodity many of us lack. During periods when volunteering was unfeasible due to work commitments, I turned to the plethora of secondhand gardening books I had amassed from charity shops for guidance.
While contemporary publications on gardening emerge annually, older volumes often contain timeless information at a more affordable price point. I would diligently take notes from these books before returning them to the charity shop, hoping they would inspire future aspiring growers.
My journey into gardening commenced before the era when numerous gardeners showcased their expertise on social media platforms. If instructional videos and virtual garden tours had been readily available on my smartphone back then, that would have been my preferred mode of learning. For fellow visual learners, I recommend exploring () and (), platforms that offer valuable insights and practical guidance on cultivating a diverse range of plants destined for your plate.
For individuals fortunate enough to possess a sunny patch of land but feel overwhelmed by the prospect of tending to soil, starting with containers can be a less daunting option (personally, I favor fabric grow bags and utilize them extensively each season).
My inaugural book delved into the art of growing edible crops in containers, emphasizing its suitability for novices venturing into crop cultivation for the first time. This approach also enables individuals to continue their gardening endeavors even if their outdoor space is limited to paved areas or rented accommodations.