Worried about food miles and packaging? Or just fretting about the rapidly rising cost of your weekly shop – and the rumours of food rationing of staples such as flour and rice, not just in the far east, but even in America, the land of 'spacious skies and amber waves of grain'? Either way, it makes real sense to consider growing your own fruit and veg.

 

Suddenly all the decking those gardening shows encouraged seems like a daft extravagance and that perfectly manicured lawn just looks like so much wasted (and water-guzzling) space. Saving the earth is the mantra of the day, even if it's just a wee patch in the corner where you could plant a couple of tomato vines and some potatoes.

 

You'll be doing your kitchen – and your purse – a big favour. Fresh, seasonal veg for your meals without having to depend on overseas manufacturers or your high-street shop. If you have children, it's a chance to let them get their hands a bit dirty (especially if like mine they are terribly citified and even 'nature-phobic'); helping them understand the reality of where food comes from and develop an awe or at least a respect for the great wonder of nature.
 

If – like me – you've no idea where to start (and haven't spent the winter clucking over a big batch of seedlings) never fear. Defland Nurseries (OrganicPlants.co.uk) is a leading supplier of mail-order organic transplants. Plants are grown to Soil Association Standards so fit right in with any aims to lower toxins in your home (and diet). For the novice, they provide useful guides to help you plan your plot, including monthly selections of what to plant and harvest dates. 

They sell most outdoor veggies including everything from artichokes and asparagus to leeks and lettuces. There are also herbs and even ornamental flowers (if you have space left over for such fripperies this year). City dwellers like me with only a small patio can get small bits and bobs, but if there's really not enough room or you live in a flat, contact the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners to put your name on a waiting list for an allotment near you.

 

PS to Rebecca and Mike (who are total green thumbs and kindly let us 'share' their allotment – we know we were shockingly hopeless last year and promise to do better this summer!

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