A Seasonal Guide to Grow Your Own
Growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs is one of the most rewarding ways to garden. Not only do you enjoy fresher, tastier produce, but you also gain a deeper understanding of the seasons and the soil beneath your feet. With a little preparation and the right approach, a productive kitchen garden is achievable for gardeners of all experience levels. This seasonal guide walks you through what to do, when to do it, and how to grow with confidence all year round.
Winter: Preparing Your Kitchen Garden
Winter may seem quiet, but it plays a crucial role in your growing success. Start by clearing away old plants, weeds and fallen leaves to prevent pests and diseases from lingering in the soil. Dig over empty beds to improve drainage and soil structure, allowing frost to naturally break down heavy ground. This is also the best time to improve soil fertility by incorporating well-rotted manure or garden compost.
Planning is just as important as physical prep. Review what grew well last year, rotate crops to avoid soil exhaustion and order seeds early so you’re ready when spring arrives.
Spring: What to Grow and When
As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, your kitchen garden springs into action. Early sowing sets the tone for the season, whether directly outdoors or under cover.
You can start growing:
- Early crops such as peas, spinach, onions and broad beans outdoors
- Tomatoes, courgettes, peppers and chillies indoors or in a greenhouse
- Herbs like parsley, chives and coriander for fresh, regular harvests
Prepare seedbeds carefully, follow spacing instructions on seed packets and water gently to avoid disturbing young seedlings.
Summer: Care, Maintenance and Harvest
Summer is when your efforts truly pay off. Regular watering is essential, especially during warm or dry spells. Aim to water deeply in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. Feeding is equally important for heavy-cropping plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers and squash.
Keep an eye on weeds and remove them promptly so they don’t compete for nutrients. Harvest crops little and often to encourage continued growth, particularly with beans, salad leaves and herbs.
Autumn: Tidy Up and Feed the Soil
As the growing season winds down, continue harvesting while preparing for the year ahead. Remove spent plants, compost healthy material and enrich beds with organic matter. Sowing green manures or covering soil with mulch helps protect structure and nutrients over winter, setting you up for success next spring.
Essential Tools for Growing Your Own
A well-equipped gardener is a confident gardener. The basics make all the difference:
- Spade or fork for digging and soil preparation
- Hand trowel and gloves for everyday tasks
- Watering can or hose with a gentle spray
- Secateurs, seed trays, labels and protective netting
Grow with Thompson’s
From winter preparation to summer harvests, growing your own is a journey worth taking. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your skills, Thompson's Garden Centre is here to help with expert advice and quality products.
Shop everything you need online or visit your local Thompson’s Garden Centre to find seeds, tools, compost and inspiration for a thriving kitchen garden, season after season.