“We always enjoy hearing from our readers. Lately, we’ve had a huge response to calls for raised bed images from your gardens and also asked – what are you finding tough on the plot? Across social media channels and our forums, readers are chatting and debating all things green with the enthusiasm we have come to expect. “

Grow your own Magazine

The #growwithgyo campaign has had a fantastic response from readers, with hundreds of you sending us pictures, messages, social posts and emails. We’ve loved every message we’ve received and wanted to share some of the latest discussion here. 

There are several ways to get involved, Firstly, you can post on social media using the hashtag #growwithgyo to join hoards of likeminded growers who are sharing their produce. Secondly, you can email through to the GYO team, or get involved on our forum, The Grapevine, at growfruitandveg.co.uk. The campaign, in partnership with PlantGrow.co.uk has inspired gardeners of all experience levels, so keep your posts and messages coming! 

We asked what your plans for/thoughts on raised beds were.

We wanted to find out what our readers liked best about their raised beds and – for those who don’t use them – whether they’re considering doing so. Raised beds can be easier to manage than floor level beds but, in some cases, take hard work to construct. 

You said…

“In Tipton, West Midlands. This year I am taking over the front. I have begun adding some raised beds and barrels to grow pumpkins, sweetcorn, onions and beans.” 

From Holly Elizabeth Hickman on Facebook 

“I am really struggling to decide about a raised bed. How can I do them in the most economic way? So very interested in this. Does edging and small raised beds still count?” 

From sboffey 14 on Instagram

“I have 32 raised beds over two half plots on the allotment, 2 sheds, 2 greenhouses, a chicken pen, a fish pond and wheelbarrow width wood-chip paths! It’s so practical and easy to grow and get around the plots.”

From charlie.giovanni on Instagram 

We asked: “What’s your biggest challenge on the plot this week?” 

We wanted to discover what’s holding you back on the plot right now! Often, it’s the challenges we face in the garden that make our successes that much more enjoyable. 

You said…

“Mine is finding time to get outside between rain and keeping children entertained. I’m desperate to get sift some compost to mulch my fruit trees put in last year.” 

From ros_but_growing on Instagram 

“Without a doubt weeding.”

From Alan Dutton on Facebook. 

“Rain! We are on clay so garden is like a swamp. Enjoying planting lots of seeds in my potting shed though. Sunnier days are coming!”

From shuvsoulfan on Instagram 

Expert tips:

In April’s edition of Grow Your Own Magazine, we dished out some top tips from Dr Ian Bedford, an expert from PlantGrow. Here are some gems from Ian. 

• Beetroot and carrots can be sown directly outside [in April]. So can peas, but the mice love to eat them so keep an eye out for them. If you find mice are a problem, sow them indoors and plant the plants outside when they are 15cm tall. 
• Aim to get all your potatoes planted by the end of April. Plant out chitted second early potatoes in the first two weeks of the month and maincrop potatoes in the second two weeks.