ARE you going to grow some vegetables in your garden this year?

Perhaps you have been inspired this year by the shortage of salads and vegetables from mainland Europe in the shops or maybe have concern over rising prices due to exchange rate variations?

Even if you only have a small garden or courtyard, growing some vegetables, herbs or fruit to eat is really very easy.

Just a few pots on the patio can be incredibly productive and popping outside and picking your own is so satisfying.

Although many vegetables are pretty easy to grow, getting started can be a little daunting if you have never grown any before.

If you need a little help, or have had a go and were not happy with the results, then pop along to this years Grow Your Own Veg Day at Eggesford Garden Centre.

The free event will take place on from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, February 19.

Advice on selecting the best crops for your garden and your taste buds, along with top growing tips, will be available from the Garden Centre experts.

Joining the Eggesford team on the day will be Alison Bockh who teaches courses on gardening and veg growing and is also a well-known garden designer based in North Devon.

Whether you have an allotment or a balcony it is well worth calling in at Eggesford Garden Centre on the Grow Your Own Day as there will be some fantastic special offers on the day.

As well as great deals there will be competitions and quizzes and a free to enter prize draw.

Vegetable growing is very rewarding and makes a great family pastime.

Kids really enjoy both the growing and the eating part of the process, whether it’s tasty tomatoes, crunchy carrots or super fresh spuds, you are sure to get them coming back for more.

“We think that it is really important to encourage kids to grow veg from an early age so we are giving away a free pack of vegetable seeds to all children under 12 years old who come along on the day,” said Derrick Dyer, owner of Eggesford Garden Centre.

He added: “Not only is it a fun family activity but it helps develop an understanding of where our food comes from.”

If you want to grow some vegetables this year but need a little advice or fancy trying to grow some different vegetables, then visit Eggesford Garden Centre on Grow Your Own Day.

Full details can be found on the Eggesford Gardens website: www.eggesfordgardens.com .

Alan Quick