Eat What You Grow

Synopsis

Imagine a garden that is as beautiful as it is productive, that gives you fresh, wholesome, chemical-free food with flavours that go way beyond anything the shops can offer.

In Eat What You Grow, Alys shows you how to create a rich, biodiverse garden that feeds not only you, but supports a wide range of pollinators, bees and butterflies, as well as other wildlife. From perennial vegetables that come back year after year, to easy-to-grow delights, she has selected plants that hold their own in both the garden and on the plate. And tells you how to raise these plants, guiding you through the process of feeding your soil, saving seed and taking cuttings to increase your supplies.

She also teaches you simple and effective design tools that will ensure your garden looks striking and wild, brings joy to your world and feeds you day after day.

Summary

Chapter 1: Why Grow Your Own Food?

This chapter emphasizes the numerous benefits of growing your own food, including:

* Health: Growing your own produce ensures you have access to fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.
* Cost-effective: Home gardening can significantly reduce your grocery expenses.
* Sustainable: Growing your own food promotes environmental conservation and reduces your carbon footprint.

Real Example: Sarah and John decided to start a backyard garden to improve their health. They planted tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries, and were able to enjoy fresh produce throughout the summer.

Chapter 2: Getting Started: Planning Your Garden

This chapter provides a step-by-step guide to planning your garden:

* Choose a location: Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
* Determine what to grow: Consider your preferences, climate, and garden size.
* Create a garden layout: Plan the arrangement of your plants to maximize space and sunlight.

Real Example: Mary decided to grow a vegetable garden in her small apartment balcony. She chose cherry tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in containers that fit her limited space.

Chapter 3: Preparing Your Soil and Planting

This chapter covers the importance of soil preparation and proper planting techniques:

* Test your soil: Check the pH and nutrient levels of your soil to determine what amendments are needed.
* Prepare the soil: Amend your soil with compost or manure to improve fertility and drainage.
* Planting: Follow the specific instructions for each plant regarding seed depth, spacing, and watering.

Real Example: David prepped his garden bed by digging in compost and testing the soil pH. He then planted lettuce seeds and watered them thoroughly.

Chapter 4: Watering and Fertilizing

This chapter discusses essential watering and fertilizing practices:

* Watering: Water your plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
* Fertilizing: Regularly fertilize your plants with organic fertilizers like compost tea or manure.

Real Example: Lisa created a drip irrigation system to ensure consistent watering for her tomato plants. She also fertilized them weekly with a balanced organic fertilizer.

Chapter 5: Pest and Disease Control

This chapter provides tips on managing pests and diseases naturally:

* Preventative measures: Encourage biodiversity, practice crop rotation, and use disease-resistant varieties.
* Natural remedies: Use organic pesticides like neem oil or insecticidal soap to control pests.

Real Example: Peter planted marigolds around his vegetable garden to deter pests. He also used a homemade insecticidal spray made from vinegar and garlic.