Is it possible

[stella]

I wondered if it is possible to grow everything you need in the veg plot from collected seeds or divided bulbs (shallots) has anyone come near to doing it

[Paulottie]

I jolly well try!...everything I need maybe, but not everything I want. I probably buy 25% (by variety)of my seed in any year on Average....However I do normally select op varieties to start and I do prefer to keep selectively saving seed not just for economics but because I believe plants are suited to their conditions and in some instances germination rates are better...simple Darwinian stuff really. I don't bother much with brassicas and I rarely bother with curcubits...laziness in isolation mainly.