"Growing Grapes" Growing grapes in warm climates is often more straightforward as they need a fair amount of sunlight to produce ripe fruits. In a more moderate climate though, new hybrid varieties will grow well or you could try growing them in a greenhouse.  The only problem with growing in the greenhouse is that the vine will produce lots of foliage which could shade other plants. Positioning your vines is probably the most important part of the whole operation!They can be trained well, and will grow on the side of a house very successfully, although some form of arch or training programme should be put into place, or the vines will get too large and leafy to produce good fruits. When you buy your vines, check for growing recommendations as there are different types that will grow with less maintenance in different regions. Growing grapes in containers keeps the roots restricted and allows the pots to be taken outside or put inside according to the weather. This probably won't be necessary especially if you position the plants well in the beginning. Try growing hybrid varieties specially suited to outdoor growing. When flower trusses start to appear, pinch out growing shoots to stop the plant from putting its energy into leaf production. It's the fruit we're after! It's a good idea to gently thin out the bunches of fruit when they are quite small. Use a fine pointed pair of scissors and snip out any diseased grapes and let the bunch air a little by also cutting out some of the small branches within the bunches. Growing grapes successfully does take a little TLC :-) Growing grapes - care: Keep watered during the growing season, and watch out for any pests or viruses.After the vines have finished fruiting and all bunches of grapes have been harvested, prune back the branches that produced fruit. In the autumn months, prune again if you want to train your vine to grow over a structure or against a wall. Growing grapes doesn't have to be a luxury crop any more, and are pretty straightforward once you get going with them. And if you can get the hang of it, try growing a few vines for making wine! Happy Gardening! Grow Your Own Winter Food: A good diet incorporating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is a must if you want to stay fit and healthy and keep the bugs at bay during the cold winter months. Growing your own winter food is just one way of ensuring you get the freshest, tastiest produce packed with goodness straight from the garden to the kitchen table. This easy-to-follow self-sufficiency book shows you how to grow your own fruit and vegetables for winter use and includes facts on each fruit, vegetable or herb as well as nutritional value, recipe ideas and storage suggestions.  Grow Your Own Winter Food is perfect for those with limited gardening experience, with gardens big or small who are looking to become more self-sufficient. Order it now direct from the publisher... Grow Your Own Winter Food Grow It, Cook It!: Many crops, including herbs, can be produced in a relatively small space with a little pre-planning and organizing: in containers, on a balcony, and indoors. Herbs are perfect for enhancing the flavour of cooking, treating minor ailments, and preventing colds and flu. Your own back garden will not only produce the best food on the planet for you and your loved ones, it is also economical, environmentally friendly and more fun than shopping. Gardening is more than a hobby; it's a way of life. .  This book provides all the information you need to keep your family and friends healthy, fit and enjoying life to the full. Order it now direct from the publisher... Grow It, Cook It! Grow Your Own Pharmacy: If, like me, you want to be able to eat the best food on the planet, grow your own!  • Clear instructions on planning, planting, growing and harvesting the fruits, vegetables and herbs required for a healthy vitamin intake. • Recipes and menus to help incorporate the fruit and vegetables into your daily diet. Grow Your Own Pharmacy Herbs and Spices: Some herbs grow vigorously, some are tender and need special growing conditions, some are annuals, some perennials, some you can grow indoors, all can be grown in pots or directly into the ground. There are also certain spices, such as chillies, that can be grown in temperate climates.  This clear and concise directory of herbs and spices provides all the essential information to help you grow a selection of these flavour-enhancing foods in small or large spaces. Ideas for which herbs and spices go best with which foods also accompany each description, so that you can really enliven your repertoire of recipes. Order it now direct from the publisher... Herbs and Spices Granny's Book Of Good Old Fashioned Common Sense is packed full of great ideas and tips. Granny brings traditional home-making up to date with cooking, gardening, needlecrafts and even games to play with the kids...Click on the link below to order your copy.  Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore and preparing nourishing home cooked meals for the family will certainly keep them away from the goodie shelf. Gardening encourages physical exercise and a good healthy dollop of fresh air. And you can get the kids involved too. Before the days of computer games and electronic pets, children used to have fun without rummaging about in the fridge every five minutes. Enjoy a few rainy-day games and crafts of yesteryear with today’s kids. They’ll love it and so will you! 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