Gardeners encouraged to grow your own Christmas dinner

It may still be July, but Garden Centre, Dobbies are encouraging Swansea gardeners to enjoy a sustainably homegrown Christmas feast this year.

Dobbies are hosting a free Grow How session in its Swansea store to show customers how to prepare a delicious dinner with all the trimmings.

The Grow How interactive session will take place in Swansea on Saturday 6 August, perfectly suited for novice gardeners and experts alike.

Dobbies’ horticultural experts will spend 10-15 minutes delivering an informative ‘how to’ guide on growing Christmas dinner staples – Charlotte Potatoes, Autumn King Carrots, Kale Dwarf Green Curled, Parsnip Tender & True, Swiss Chard Bright Lights.

In addition to this, the experts will share top tips on creating a thriving herb garden to elevate your meal.

Impress your guests and feed the whole family from your back garden, allotment or balcony space. Potatoes are a great starting crop for children looking to ignite a passion in gardening, so get the whole family involved in the Christmas preparations this year.

Dobbies say that growing your own vegetables is a great way to support the environment and enjoy some of your five a day this Christmas.

They add that sustainability is at the core of this workshop, and Dobbies is highlighting the key benefits of using peat-free compost and safer pest control products in your planters and patches, in addition to showcasing that growing your own heavily reduces your carbon footprint, packaging waste, food waste and eliminates the need for harmful chemical fertilisers.

Sarah Murray, Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, said: “We’re putting on our Santa hats early this year at Dobbies’ Swansea store and doing everything we can to get our customers ready for the big day in a sustainable way. We’re passionate about encouraging growing your own and are looking to help reduce our customers’ carbon footprint when it comes to food transport and wastage.

“Our customers really enjoy our monthly Grow How sessions, and we’re excited to get into the festive swing this August in our Swansea store.”

If you’re unable to attend the event, Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, shares his top tips on growing your own Christmas dinner. “When growing your own Charlotte Potatoes ensure you’re continually covering shoots with peat-free compost. This encourages the potatoes to multiply and stops them going green. You’ll know your potatoes are ready to harvest when the plants start to flower but the leaves stay green.” Marcus explained.

Charlotte Potatoes can be kept in a sealed dark bag for seven-eight months, so be sure to keep these wrapped up and ready for your festivities.

Marcus continued: “Autumn King Carrots need an open site with fertile and well-drained soil, an ideal vegetable for growing in a deep container. Sow your crop in the autumn months and make sure to cover them with an insect mesh to prevent carrot flies. Your harvest will be ready in about 10 weeks so if you plant in October, they’ll be ready to eat just in time for Christmas day.”

Herbs are another brilliant and easy plant to grow in the garden or from your windowsill inside.

Marcus explained: “Herbs are great to grow at home and you can use them in a wide variety of dishes throughout the year. They’re easy to maintain and just need regular water, warmth and light to grow. For festive flavours Parsley, Sage, Thyme and Rosemary are some of my favourites, and Mint is a great option if you’re looking to jazz up some festive candy cane cocktails.”