Food Glorious Food

Food Glorious Food is the National Trust's initiative that celebrates local produce and encourages people to grown their own vegetables. The aim is to bring local food producers into a number of its properties so that the public can talk to them and taste what they have on offer.

There will also be practical workshops where you can get your hands dirty planting up seedlings. The Trust will be giving away thousands of packets of salad, thyme and carrot seeds, as well as tomato seedlings that are ready to be planted in a gro-bag.

GROW YOUR OWN DINNER PARTY

If you've never grown your own before, the guide, which can be downloaded as a PDF, takes you through planning a menu around your own harvest, instructions on planting and caring for your crop, through to recipes and place cards that can be printed off. You are encouraged to take the pledge to hold a dinner party and then add the event to the party map, which can be viewed online. Share photos and more when you join Food Glorious Food's Facebook group. You'll find advice and additional growing tips on a dedicated blog by the Head Kitchen Gardener at Hidcote, Sarah.

MYPATCH

Aimed at getting kids involved, you can grow your own virtual garden and once registered, you'll be sent helpful emails reminding you to water and tend your plants with TLC. The Aphid Attack game is considerably less irritating online than in your own garden.