total newbie here :)

[notthegirlnextdoor]

Hi all.

My garden is just lawn and slabs. I've never grown anything before, and my DDs 5 & 3 have been asking to grow things.

I have no idea where to start! What do I need? What are the best things to grow with them? I was thinking about one or two flowers, some veg and herbs?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Hi notthe!

What you need to grow things with children is seeds, and either to dig up a bit of lawn to expose some soil, or if you don't want to do that, to get some largish pots and potting compost from somewhere like Wilkinson's or your local garden centre ( I like Wilkinson's as I think it's good value). Get a small bag of general potting compost.

You may be able to get pots for free from the garden centre - one near me, a Squires, has a place where people can drop off pots they no longer need.

The easiest things to grow is probably something like nasturtiums, or poached egg plants or indeed anything that is sold packaged for children, as that will be reliable. You could also do with a hand fork and trowel. Wilkinson's seem to have both for £1.50, but I suspect they will bend so it may be worth spending just a bit more...

Read the instructions on the back of the packets of seeds, and make sure you water them well - at least once a day in pots.

For herbs, you may be able to get a small collection from the garden centre. Thyme and chives and sage are good doers.

There is plenty of advice on www. The RHS and Gardeners World websites are good places to start.

Good luck

Sunflowers are always good fun for children.

Maybe some cherry tomato plants? You'll be able to get these from a garden centre or maybe a market stall?

Runner beans are fast growers (sometimes important for impatient little ones!) and another crop you can eat.