Your first vegetable bed, in a small sunny corner of the garden

Lessons give you knowledge and skill. Wisdom comes from trying it out in front of others — here’s where.

• Permies

  Online forum

  A large, long-running forum on growing food with little money and no chemicals, with a patient beginners' section.

• r/vegetablegardening

  Reddit, online

  Post a photo of your bed or a struggling seedling and get answers from growers at every level.

• A community garden, allotment site or seed swap near you

  offlineCouncils, libraries and garden centres often list them

  Neighbouring growers know your local frost dates and pests, and often give away spare seedlings.