A Kitchen garden for foodies
I'm very lucky to have a wonderful wife who truly adores her cooking. She also has an established and flourishing Kitchen Garden that generously supports all this amazing output, so we get to enjoy and taste the delightful flavours of fresh produce, as well as some incredibly interesting and creative dishes that she prepares for us.
To create an enjoyable and productive Kitchen Garden, you will need to incorporate some raised beds. Ideally, it is also beneficial to include a small greenhouse or some cold frames. This way, you can grow your produce from seeds or plug plants, allowing you to nurture them in a protected environment before transitioning them to your outdoor space for planting out. Such preparations can greatly enhance your gardening success.
The raised beds in our designs might be thoughtfully constructed of high-quality new oak sleepers, with a durable damp proof membrane (DPM) applied to the inner face in order to effectively protect the wood from excess moisture. Our raised beds are 600mm high, which not only enhances their accessibility but also makes it easy to maintain and harvest a variety of fresh produce. It is crucial to never make the beds wider than your natural reach to ensure that you can tend to all the plants with ease.
So what does she specifically recommend you grow in your garden? A delightful variety of herbs along with some interesting and unique vegetables!
I suggest you create a designated area specifically for the herbs in your garden, as apart from providing focus, it helps you to easily monitor the individual plants that may require care or even replacement. This ensures that you always have sufficient stocks of fresh herbs readily available for your cooking and other uses. Then, consider establishing separate beds or compartments that will help keep the different types of herbs organized and thriving in their unique environments.
To provide a useful growing platform for your vegetables, it is essential to create the right conditions within your garden soil. A good layer of fresh, moist mulch applied each year will help retain moisture and suppress weeds, contributing to a healthier growing environment. Additionally, in the herb garden, mixing in some grit is beneficial, as this ensures that the plants have adequate drainage and access to air, promoting robust growth and vitality.
MUST HAVE HERBS :
Rosemary
Bay
Thyme
Mint (controlled)
Oregano
Fennel
Dill
Chives
Parsley
Corriander
INTERESTING VEG:
Chard
Spinach
Sugar-loaf Chicory
Globe Artichokes
Sugar Snap Peas
Beetroot
Rocket
Cucumbers
Cherry Tomatoes on the vine
Chilli Peppers (actually a fruit)
Good luck with your exciting project, and please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us if you would like assistance with designing or constructing your Kitchen Garden. We are here to help make your vision come to life.