Perfect Picnic Growers

Picnics are even more enjoyable when you’re tucking into fresh fruit and veggies that you’ve grown yourself.

There are lots of ingredients you can have a go at growing in your own garden. Let’s discover them!

Lettuce

Ease of growing: Very easy

Speed of growing: Around 4 weeks

Best spot: Well prepared soil with lots of sun. Space them out so that they have plenty of room when they start growing - about 15cm works well

How to grow: Sow your seeds into a thin layer of compost on a tray. When big enough, you can pick the little seedlings out and plant directly outside in the soil. Always follow the instructions on your seed packet

Watering: Water whenever the soil feels dry

Best types for picnics: Try Butterhead or Summer Crisp - they're reliable, full of texture and flavour

Uses: A fresh salad or sandwich filling

Top tip: Use scissors to cut off a few leaves when you need them. The plant will continue to grow and provide lettuce for longer

Spring onions

Ease of growing: Easy

Speed of growing: Around 8 weeks

Best spot: You can plant them directly in fine soil outdoors. They don't need very much room, so you can even plant them in a pot

How to grow: Sow your seeds 5mm deep and keep them close. Always check the instructions on your seed packet for planting recommendations

Watering: Water regularly as they have short roots

Best types for picnics: Try White Lisbon and North Holland Red - they grow very quickly!

Uses: Salad toppings, sandwich fillings, dips or add to bread

Top tip: When picking, snap the plant above the soil, that way the roots remain and they'll continue to grow

Tomatoes

Ease of growing: Moderate

Speed of growing: Around 8 weeks

Best spot: Tomato plants do well in a greenhouse, but you can still plant outside if you don't have one. Make sure they're protected from the wind and have lots of sun throughout the day

How to grow: Put two or three tomato plants into a growing bag. You'll need a stake to tie the plant to as it starts to grow upwards. Always check the instructions for the variety that you choose to plant

Watering: Water daily as tomatoes love moist soil

Best types for picnics: Try Gardener's Delight, Tigerella or Moneymaker - they're great for first-time growers

Uses: Salad toppings, sandwich fillings or dips

Top tip: Remove side shoots when the base of the leaf joins the main stem. This helps them grow fuller

Peas

Ease of growing: Require more attention and care

Speed of growing: Around 12 weeks

Best spot: Peas need lots of space and a sunny, well-drained spot that’s sheltered from the wind

How to grow: Use a hoe or spade to make a shallow trench. Sow your seeds outside around 10cm apart and then cover with the soil. For best growing instructions, always check your seed packet

Watering: Water whenever the soil is dry

Best types for picnics: Try English Peas or Sugar Snap Peas for a sweet, crisp flavour

Uses: Salad topping or for snacking

Top tip: Use twigs along your row of peas to provide extra support as they start to grow upwards