December is the time of year that we reflect. We think about the things we have loved in the last twelve months, and the things we would like to improve upon. Most of us set some form of goals or resolutions on new year's eve, and many have a focus on a healthy lifestyle or changing diets. Growing your own fruit and vegetables is a great way to have more control on what you eat, and so I think it can be a great focus for the New Year. I want to share with you some of the tips that can help you start. I hope it inspires you to consider doing it yourself next year.

Consider where you can or want to do it

One of the first decisions to make is where you want to start growing any vegetables or fruit. Have you got an outside space? This could be a garden, a patio or even a balcony if that is all you have. The perception is that you need a huge garden, but this isn’t the case at all. If you do want to utilise a garden, then think about an area that could be useful, you could even add a greenhouse to help keep some of the plants safe from the weather. Using things like greenhouse polycarbonate sheets can make it safe for children, if they are still using the outdoor space. However, small areas like patios or balconies can still be utilised with pots or planters. You could consider growing things like tomatoes, strawberries, and homegrown herbs.

Start with some of the basics

If you want to start growing your own then make sure you start off with some of the simpler produce or things to grow. Things like herbs are easier to maintain and having a good selection of them available to you can enhance many meals and side dishes. Other ones to consider would be salad leaves such as lettuce or chard. They tend to grow quickly, and they harvest continually so you can always have a good selection available to you. Spring onions and radishes are another homegrown favourite, as well as the potato. Peas, broad beans, onions and tomatoes are also easily grown and adaptable. Knowing that you have such a variety of options available to you, it’s easy to see why so many people consider doing this. It can save you money on some of those family favourite dishes you cook up every week.

Appreciate that this is a long process

Finally, try and remember that growing things can be a long process. Sure some of the salad leaves options can be sprouting up leaves in a matter of weeks when the seeds are sown at the right time, but other things like potatoes and tomatoes can take a little more time to create. Don’t get disheartened, approach this as a hobby and you will soon be reaping the rewards of your very own crop.