10 Tips for Growing Edible Plants: Cultivating Everyday Abundance

There’s something quietly magical about stepping outside and picking something you’ve grown with your own hands. Whether it’s a pot of herbs on the windowsill or a rambling vegetable patch, growing edible plants brings a deep sense of joy and self-sufficiency.

It doesn’t matter if you’re working with a few pots or an entire allotment—every tomato, courgette, or basil leaf you grow brings you a little closer to the soil, the seasons, and the stories behind your food.

Here are 10 tried-and-tested tips that have helped us on our journey—and we hope they help you too. 1. Start with the Right Soil

Good food begins with good soil. We feed ours with well-rotted horse manure and compost, and we avoid any chemical additives or artificial feeds. Healthy, living soil is full of the nutrients your plants need—and it smells wonderfully earthy too. Don’t rush this bit; it’s the foundation for everything. 2. Grow What Thrives (Not Just What You Love)

We’ve all done it—planted something we really wanted, even though we were warned it might not work. (Looking at you, Scottish heathers...) Do a little research into what grows well in your area and work with your space, not against it. Success is far more satisfying than struggle. 3. Find the Light

Most edibles need a good dose of sunshine—ideally 6 to 8 hours a day. But don’t let that stop you if your garden’s shady. Many leafy greens like kale, lettuce and beetroot will grow perfectly well in partial shade. It’s just a matter of matching the plant to the place. 4. Water With Intention

Plants like a good drink—but not a soggy bath. Deep, even watering is best. Let the soil dry out just a little between watering sessions to avoid root rot. We use rainwater whenever we can, and if we use the hose, we let it warm a little first (cold water straight from the tap can be a shock to the roots).

5. Try Companion Planting

Some plants just get along better when they grow together. Basil near tomatoes, for example, can improve both flavour and growth. Marigolds are brilliant pest deterrents. Think of it like planting a friendly little community.

6. Mulch to Nurture

Mulching helps keep moisture in the soil, weeds at bay, and the temperature just right. We often use dried grass cuttings in the community garden (free and plentiful!) and go for “chop and drop” at the allotment—cutting weeds and letting them lie where they fall. Nature’s own blanket. 7. Keep an Eye Out

The earlier you catch pests or problems, the easier they are to manage. We choose not to use sprays, even organic ones. If we lose a crop, we accept it as part of the process. But we do plant pest-repelling herbs and flowers, and check in on our beds often. A quick wander through your garden with a cuppa is often the best inspection. 8. Prune, Harvest, Repeat

Regular pruning keeps plants healthy and encourages new growth. And don’t wait too long to harvest—many plants will produce more if you pick little and often. Besides, there’s nothing quite like that first handful of fresh-picked peas or strawberries. 9.  Feed Gently and Naturally

Plants need feeding—especially in pots. We use homemade compost and are currently experimenting with our own organic plant feed (we’ll be sharing that recipe soon). If you do use shop-bought feed, just follow the instructions—more is definitely not always better. 10. Stay Curious

Every growing season is different. Some years are wild with tomatoes, others full of courgettes or herbs. Gardening is a slow, beautiful education—don’t worry if things don’t go perfectly. Keep reading, asking questions, and trying new things. The learning never stops (and that’s the best bit). Growing your own edible plants is about more than saving money or reducing food miles. It’s about rhythm, patience, and noticing the little things. It brings beauty to your table, flavour to your meals, and a deeper connection to the land around you.

So roll up your sleeves, pop a few seeds in the soil, and start your own Fleur Kitchen journey—one small, joyful step at a time.