In our ‘From the Plot’ series, we chat to inspiring growers who share their passion and knowledge with others. This month, Karen from @welliesandwaffles explains how growing tomatoes in a conservatory as a child blossomed into a full-on passion for growing her own fruit and veg. But why has she decided to replace her lawn, and with what?
I started growing food with my mum
Karen relaxing in her garden
Images courtesy of Karen Baron
My first experience of growing my own food was when I was about 8 years old and my mum filled the conservatory windowsills with tomato plants. Since then, I’ve had the bug to grow my own food and have been doing so for my family for the past 26 years.
Along with the vegetable garden, I have cottage garden plants and an array of palms, fatsias and Ioquats. I just go with whatever takes my fancy, so I’d say my gardening style is mixed.
I’m inspired by other people’s gardens
Karen fills her garden with a mix of stunning colour
Images courtesy of Karen Baron
I wanted the garden to work in harmony with my 200-year-old stone cottage. Creating it with a soft, natural look was important. I also take a lot of inspiration from seeing other people’s gardens and have since added a few plants to my own space just from seeing them in other people’s gardens on Instagram.
Tomatoes are one of my favourite things to grow
A selection of Karen’s homegrown produce
Images courtesy of Karen Baron
I love to grow interesting varieties of tomatoes along with peas and squash. I also have to include the fruit trees because they’re producing really well – especially the plums and quince.
Gardening is simply about having a go
Potatoes, strawberries and lettuce grown by Karen
Images courtesy of Karen Baron
My top tip for beginners would be to give it a go. There will be times when things fail and others when they excel, but try not to feel down when things don’t go to plan. It’s important that you just keep trying.
Providing my sons with healthy food makes me proud
Karen and her ‘Jumbo Pink Banana’ squash
Images courtesy of Karen Baron
I feel proud to be able to provide healthy, interesting fruit and veg for my sons, as well as writing a monthly gardening article for a magazine. I also have to mention the huge Jumbo Pink Banana squash and melon I’ve managed to grow in the tropical depths of Lancashire!
I’m swapping my lawn for a sea of flowers
Karen’s ready to trade her lawn for a sea of flowers and trees
Images courtesy of Karen Baron
I’m planning a big project to change the lawn to a sea of flowers and trees. I also want to create some decked seating areas so we can sit and enjoy the garden.
Grow like Karen
A sweet, juicy, heart-shaped fruit, perfect for growing in pots and containers
Image: Tomato ‘Heartbreakers Vita’ F1 – Seeds from Suttons.
If you want to grow like Karen, here are just a few of her favourites:
Follow Karen at @welliesandwaffles for ideas and tips on growing colourful, edible crops. To discover more inspirational growers, explore our ‘From the Plot’ series.
