Thanks for reminding me. I forgot some of the stuff I'm growing. I need to add:-

Strawberries
Raspberries
Potatoes (4 varieties)
Rhubarb
Gooseberries

Last year I tried Sprouts, Gooseberries, Cauliflower, Runner Beans, Cabbage, Shallots, Rhubarb Strawberries, Lettuce, Raspberries and tomatoes. The sprouts, Cauliflower and cabbage were pathetic. The shallots were tiny. I managed to get about a dozen Raspberries and 1 gooseberry. The tomatoes were tasteless. The lettuce was eaten by slugs. The Rhubarb (which is an old variety and one we've been growing for years) first started flowering (so there were less stalks) and then was naff because of manure infected by a weedkiller. There was a bumper crop of strawberries and we still have about half a ton of Runner beans in the freezer.

This year the Raspberries are rampant and spreading everywhere. One lot of cabbage seedlings just decided to die. Only 1 runner bean plant is growing. My peas have finally started to grow. The Gooseberry bush is in full flower. The rhubarb has just started to come through. My tomatoes are thriving at the moment and just starting to produce flowers. 1 variety of chilli is looking a bit ropey but my Bhut Jolokias are looking great. Since my Pop up cloche/greenhouse arrived for one of my raised beds the shallots have started really growing. If you're ever after any gardening stuff try selections. some of the stuff they have is half the price of most major suppliers.


Have you ever tried companion planting? I.E. growing plants that help others. E.g Hyssop helps Brassicas by keeping away some of the pests. Borage attracts beneficial insects that pollinate flowers and feed on pests. That sort of thing?