Page 34 - April 2023

INTERIORS INSIDER

Home Grown

67% of people in Edinburgh plan to grow their own
fresh produce this spring.

pring has sprung, and research
from Dobbies Garden Centres
Shas found that a massive 67%
of people in Edinburgh are planning
to grow their own fresh produce this
spring, with 68% saying they think it will
taste better being freshly grown.

The research, from Censuswide,
looked into what people have grown
in the past, what produce they found
the tastiest, and the reasons they’re
planning to grow their own this spring.
grow their own tomatoes as they’re fantastic for ensure you water frequently, especially during
Over half (53%) of Edinburgh residents beginners and seasoned gardeners alike and summer when the weather warms up.”
have experience growing vegetables can easily be grown in small spaces, making
previously, and when asked about them ideal for those with compact gardens. Dobbies’ Food Development Chef, Adam
their tastiest crop, 12% of Edinburgh Veysey, shares his recommendations for how
residents said carrots came out on top. “Tomato plants can take on a lot of water, Edinburgh residents can incorporate tomatoes
so the larger the container, the easier it is to into their cooking this spring.
This year, tomatoes (40%) topped the keep your tomatoes evenly watered. These
list of fruits that gardeners in Edinburgh plants thrive in a sunny spot, so position your Adam said: “Tomatoes are a wonderful,
want to grow, with this plant expected container in a bright area with direct sunlight for versatile ingredient for your kitchen in spring
to be in high demand this spring. maximum growth. and summer and work just as well on their own
as they do cooked in your favourite dishes. Put
Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus “Taller tomato plants will benefit from being your tomatoes at the forefront of your cooking
Eyles, encourages Edinburgh residents supported by a bamboo cane, and you should and enjoy them in seasonal salads with a simple
to make the most of fresh produce pinch out the side shoots of these varieties dressing, or use them to bring freshness to
by sharing his top tips for growing to concentrate the energy into creating fruit. burgers and pizzas when alfresco dining in the
tomatoes. Smaller bush and trailing varieties are fine left to warmer months.”
grow without pruning, but once the first trusses
Marcus said: “I’m excited to hear that start to set fruit, you should begin feeding your For more gardening tips and inspiration visit
people in Edinburgh are looking to tomato plant weekly with tomato fertiliser, and dobbies.com.

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