Nature

My garden is in Lochgoilhead and over the past two years I've built some raised beds where I grow organic vegetables. There is a widely held belief that it takes loads of time and effort to grow your own food but I think that perception is wrong. I only spend a few hours at the weekend working in the garden which rewards me with exercise, fresh air and tasty food. Having raised beds also gives me the chance to rotate my crops which should help improve yield and minimise the risk of disease.

Winter does not mean that the garden is dead. Good planning should ensure that you have something to harvest throughout the year. I've still got leeks in one of the raised beds which together with the end of last years potato and onion crop make a great soup.

Although we are still in winter there are many things that can be done to ensure good crops in the coming year. Effort spent now will reap great rewards. I planted garlic and onions at the beginning of November and the early signs are that I will be rewarded with a good crop. Already the young plants are peeping through and they aren’t adversely affected by the recent frost and snow. The big danger for the young sets are the birds which enjoy pulling up the young plants. I protect them with nets until they are well established.

Late winter is also the time to prepare for the potato season. I buy seed potatoes from recognised sources to minimise the risk of disease. Before they are planted in the raised beds the seed potatoes need to be chitted – allowed to sprout in a cool, dry place. This involves placing the seed potatoes in an egg box or seed tray with their eyes uppermost. After about six weeks the potatoes will be ready to be planted out.

It is clear that a few hours spent each weekend throughout the winter will save effort later in the year. It also gives you a reason to enjoy the outside.