Conservatory owners 'should grow their own'

Conservatory owners have been encouraged to get out into their garden and begin growing organic produce.

Not only could this improve the view from their lean to, it will help them save money, eat healthily and learn new skills, it was claimed.

Speaking at Gardeners' World Live, Garden Organic knowledge development officer Phillip Turvill said it could be an especially useful pastime for conservatory owners in the financial downturn.

"People can grow their own very cheaply - they don't have to spend a lot," he explained.

"They can get a bag of soil, a bag of compost, mix them together and plant a seed."

Mr Turvill suggested courgettes may be a good starting point for amateur growers.

Some might even be able to grow under glass, with pepper plants among those that would benefit from a spell in the conservatory early on in life.

Homebase reported in March it had noted a 100 per cent increase in sales of herbs and vegetable plants.