Beginner Where do I start!

[veggiechicken]

Welcome from me too, Rosie
My question is - how old are your children? What might appeal to a toddler may be quite diifferent to an older child. No kids here so I haven't a clue

[RosieNewbie]

Wow thats great lots of advice thanks you so much. The kids are four, twins. I do have outdoor space but i wanted to keep it a small operation to start off, rather than putting a lot of time an effort digging up the garden when i don't actually know what i am doing yet. this will be a bit of an experiment at first. maybe if i get any success at growing in tubs i could think about raised beds. also i have no idea what my soil is like, i thought maybe it would be best to buy compost form garden centre for the containers to ensure they have nutrients? would that be best??? thanks again lots of really useful advice. cant wait to get started. You have all been really helpful.

[RosieNewbie]

one quick question in terms of drilling holes in the tubs i take i need to do this regardless of what i am planting, not just root vegetables? thanks

[Yasai]

You're welcome Good idea to go easy; I spent a small fortune when I got the gardening bug and before I knew any better. Bigmally has a thread which compares different composts, that might help you choose. I use whatever's cheapest and hope for the best; haven't done too badly so far

[arpoet]

Welcome from me too, Rosie
My question is - how old are your children? What might appeal to a toddler may be quite diifferent to an older child. No kids here so I haven't a clue

I will lend you my grandson, VC... he will sort you out.

[arpoet]

one quick question in terms of drilling holes in the tubs i take i need to do this regardless of what i am planting, not just root vegetables? thanks

Unless you are going to shelter your tubs from that sweet Irish rain, drainage is vital. I drill four holes in the sides of flower buckets about an inch from the base, and drop a few stones or smashed up tiles or pots in the bottom before MPC (multi purpose compost). Your kids will love it if you give them a hammer and stones to break up.

[veggiechicken]

one quick question in terms of drilling holes in the tubs i take i need to do this regardless of what i am planting, not just root vegetables? thanks

Whatever you plant into, needs drainage holes. Unless you have flexitubs already, you may be better buying large plant pots from one of the cheap shops.

[noviceveggrower]

Hi. Welcome to the Vine. I have a 7 year old and 5 year old. I would suggest strawberries, kids just love them, and peas. Mine just love popping the peas from the pods.

[Bigmallly]

If you want to bulk your compost out cheaply, you can always had some manure to the tub if you have any stables locally. You can normally pick it up for free. Don't use manure on Carrots or Parsnips as it can cause them to twist or fork.

[RosieNewbie]

Unless you are going to shelter your tubs from that sweet Irish rain, drainage is vital. I drill four holes in the sides of flower buckets about an inch from the base, and drop a few stones or smashed up tiles or pots in the bottom before MPC (multi purpose compost). Your kids will love it if you give them a hammer and stones to break up.

Great advice thanks!

[RosieNewbie]

If you want to bulk your compost out cheaply, you can always had some manure to the tub if you have any stables locally. You can normally pick it up for free. Don't use manure on Carrots or Parsnips as it can cause them to twist or fork.

great thanks

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

How about a small pumpkin variety in a growbag to get the kids interested for halloween? Bit early for them at the moment but perhaps a variety like 'Jack be little' ?

[RosieNewbie]

just "googled" growbag, i had no idea such a thing existed (i really have no clue), they look quite handy! and inexpensive. thanks for the tip!!! Also pumpkins in time for halloween is an excellent idea!

[Potstubsdustbins]

Welcome Rosie, a word of advice about grow bags. They are very hard to get the watering right and can lead to disappointment to start with. If the grow bags are cheap you would be far better to use the compost from them in containers of some sort.

As folks have said please ask if you have any questions.

[ugley_matt]

Nothing compares with the joy of watching children digging up potatoes, its one of the highlights of my year when we dig up the first plant.