Allotments and food growing

Growing food at home

Growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs at home is a simple way to save money, reduce food waste and enjoy fresh, healthy food. You do not need a large garden to get started – you can grow food indoors, on a windowsill or in small outdoor spaces. We provide tips and ideas to help you grow, store and make the most of your food at home.

Get started with growing

You can begin with small, easy projects using items you already have. Try:

Re‑using food scraps to grow new plants
Growing herbs or salad on a windowsill
Using pots, containers or grow bags if space is limited

If you do not have access to compost, you can still grow successfully using shop‑bought or peat‑free options.

Grow in any space

You do not need a garden to grow your own food. You can:

Grow indoors all year round
Use balconies, patios or small yards
Plant potatoes in bags or containers
Grow strawberries in hanging baskets or pots

Choose crops that suit your space and the amount of sunlight you have.

Find seeds and materials

You can start growing with low cost or free materials. Seeds are often available through community projects, swaps or local initiatives. Re‑using containers and household items can also help keep costs down.

Store and use your food

Growing your own food helps reduce waste, but storing it properly is just as important. You can:

Freeze fruit to use later
Preserve or store produce to make it last longer

Related information

You can find out more about: