Is there a revolution taking place in growing veg this year?

[Maninadirndl]

Well I started my veg thing 4 years ago without much of a clue - not much has changed. Maybe it's me but I seem to be aware that loads of people are getting into it this year for the first time.

In the States Michelle Obama was photographerd digging up the White house lawn following the online "Eat the View" campaign. The americans are really getting into it in a big way.

Over in UK Gardeners World has a Dig In campaign giving away seeds for gardeners to start off with. HFW on River Cottage launched his Landshare initiative and about 30000 registered on his website to take part either offering or wanting land to grow veg. Even the Queen has set up a 4x10m plot - but stingy imho but its a start. (Hope she doesnt put her back out digging like I did mine a few years back). Jamie Oliver has his "Jamie At Home" series. I got the book as a Chrissy present and watch his programmes down here via satellite.

Over here where I live in Germany we have a "Sonnenacker" system where you rent a 80 sqm plot from Spring to Autumn and the land is ready ploughed with manure already in so the hard work is done. I took photos the other day of my plot but have yet to publish them on my [blog[http://www.simontheshrubber.blogspot.com/]]. The scheme is in its second year. Last year we were 18. This year we are 36. A 200% increase in interest.

Given the bland crap coming out of our supermarkets the flavour on these home grown veg is amazing. My only gripe with Jamie and Hugh is they tend to be too carnivore and I'd love to know if books exist combining gardening and cookery in a veggie way.My dream would be a book where the ingredients area entirely from the garden for one meal. Does such a book exist?

[cheesesarnie]

ive tried a few times and never got the hang of it but this year am attempting tomatoes,cucumber and brocolli.

ive not got a book like you want but my favorite at the moment is 'grow your own drugs' from the tv programme.i made chilli plasters for dh but had to buy the peppers as i didnt have time to grow my own!id like to make things in that book from ingrediants in the garden.

[Maninadirndl]

cheesybabe: That book i called "Mr Wong" by my wife. I orderd it on Amazon and am crazy with it. I was hooked on his series of programmes in Spring and when Wife got a cold I made the chicken soup thing which healed her in hours.

You know that ten herbs in your garden list? Well I have all of them esp the st John's Wort or "Johanniskraut" in German or Hypericum in Latin. I often make sage tea in winter for colds. My bruv in law just bought me Echinacea for colds for the winter. They sold Goji berries down here 2 Euros and they went in seconds.

I shall take some photos for my blog on this subject soon.

[MarmadukeScarlet]

I have a Sarah Raven cookbook which is in sections of main ingredients - great for when you have a glut of anything. She was a GP and is now a gardener/foodie - I like her stuff.

Also there is a Delia one which is a combi of growing advice (may be a little basic if you have been growing for 4 yrs) and recipes I am just going to bed now if I get a mo over the weekend I will return armed with details!

I am a vegi, so I don't go in for HFW et all.

[Maninadirndl]

Mamascarlet: isnt she the plump one occasionally off gardemers world?

Delia isnt too basic for me. I am still a bit clueless.

U R right about HFW. I like his shows but he always seems to be blowing the brains out oif furry bunnies for food.

[MakemineaGandT]

oooh you need to get yourself Sarah Raven's "Garden Cookbook" - it's exactly what you're looking for. I love it and have cooked masses of recipes from it - and nearly every recipe is a "keeper"

[MarmadukeScarlet]

Yes she is the plump one, oft found wearing very flowy long cardigans and other impractical gardening attire.

GandT , that is the one I was referring to - fab isn't it?

Also Delia's Kitchen Garden - may be a bit basic is you've been gardening for a few years, but handy as is monthly so very seasonal.

[cheesesarnie]

sorry Maninadirndl only just seen your reply.that would be great.

[Maninadirndl]

Would love to but this feckin rain won't stop here!

Also my computer is soslow I can#t download pics! Driving me nad!

Time to rip off those Johnswort flowerheads.

Can you believe it just thundered now.