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GROW FOR Gold In this edition, our regular contributor Matt Biggs gives us advice on how growing your own can be both cost effective <strong>and</strong> rewarding... With prices rising <strong>and</strong> evidence of some empty shelves in the shops, now might be the time for a little bit of ‘Dig for Victory’ spirit! There are so many ways of adding to your food options, from a few radishes to add some peppery perk to your salads to courgettes, beetroot, peas, Japanese <strong>and</strong> Chinese salad leaves, tomatoes <strong>and</strong>, of course, the humble spud! Even if you have no space, balconies, hanging baskets <strong>and</strong> even windowsills can host something edible from chilli plants <strong>and</strong> herbs to hanging tomatoes - <strong>and</strong> there is nothing like picking your own home grown produce <strong>and</strong> taking it straight to the kitchen. Many local Colleges offer short courses to help you get started, there are books, videos, TV programmes <strong>and</strong> your local garden club - all there to get your growing energies into gear. As well as the physical activity involved in preparing the ground <strong>and</strong> hoeing <strong>and</strong> weeding there is a mental benefit too <strong>and</strong> this is becoming more <strong>and</strong> more recognised as we rush from work to shop to home - a little time spent in the open air with the birds in the background is very beneficial <strong>and</strong> if you join a gardening club there is a social side too, as there is in having an allotment <strong>and</strong> sharing both gardening knowledge <strong>and</strong> produce. Children too can join in - an easy to grow packet of seeds <strong>and</strong> a large pot or a patch of earth <strong>and</strong> off they go - <strong>and</strong> there is a lot of learning in a packet of seeds, from biology to botany, the maths of sowing <strong>and</strong> spacing, the responsibility of being in charge of something, watering <strong>and</strong> weeding <strong>and</strong> then the joy of sharing what is grown - it is win, win all the way, <strong>and</strong> if the odd slug or snail comes along, they too have a place! To find out more about Matt visit his website matthewbiggs.com ABS specialise in managing both bathroom & kitchen refits from start to finish ensuring you only have to deal with one company for everything! We pride ourselves in having some of the best tradesmen in Berkshire who can create a bespoke bathroom or kitchen which will live up to your every expectation. We will manage the entire project so you only have to deal with us & don’t have to find fitters, tilers, electricians, plasterers or any other trade that might be needed. We undertake refurbishment, repairs, <strong>and</strong> the supply & installation of all related bathroom & kitchen work. Plus we can supply & fit your new boiler at the same time! We will supervise work regularly <strong>and</strong> provide you with updates. We always ensure minimum disruption <strong>and</strong> that we leave your premises clean <strong>and</strong> tidy following our visit. Workmanship carries a full 12 month guarantee <strong>and</strong> appointments are made at a time to suit the customer. 123 Liscombe | <strong>Bracknell</strong> | RG12 7DE Tel: 07866 101099 Web: www.abspb.co.uk Email: abs@abspb.co.uk www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 27