Ah lads, it’s only roasting out this summer and I’ve spent most of my time the past two months having mild panic attacks about my plants instead of actually, well, watering them. I mean, look, that would be fine if I had lots of free time to get to the allotment, but with a wedding […]
Five filthy gardening tips to care for plants in hot weather Read More »
A few people have asked me lately what to do to protect their spuds when there’s a blight warning in effect, so here’s my esteemed advice: set everything on fire and run away screaming. However, if you are one of the very zen people who has decided not to completely overreact (ie, me) and simply
Potato blight warning in effect? Here’s what to do Read More »
Parsnips are a great divider of opinion, you either love them or you hate them, there is no in between. I happen to adore parsnips, they’re one of my favourite vegetables, especially when roasted with honey and fresh sage. Parsnips are the vegetable that converted me from a vegetable hater to a vegetable grower, so
How to grow parsnips – using my foolproof arse test Read More »
Herbal remedies for flu and colds have been around far longer than over-the-counter drugs and while I’m not saying not to take these, there are loads of plants in your garden that can help ease the symptoms of colds and flu. I’ve been known to get into healthy (unhealthy?) debates with people about the medicinal
Garden remedies for colds and flu Read More »
Let me tell you something that not many people know about me, my favourite smell in the world is not fresh baked bread, freshly brewed coffee or lavender (although, these rate pretty highly), but the the smell of tomato plants. It is the ultimate smell of summer. My earliest memories of growing their own food
How to care for tomato plants – tips to get the best crop Read More »
Courgettes are one of the staples of a vegetable garden, they are prolific croppers and supposedly very easy to grow. But I’m going to let you in on a dirty little secret of mine: I’ve had an absolute disaster of a time attempting to grow courgettes most years. In fact, I have only been successful
How to grow courgettes – from a gardener who always kills them Read More »
I spend an awful lot of time writing long, philosophical posts about how great gardening is (because it is) and how much it has changed my life (because it has), but I’d like to spend a little bit more time actually writing about the plants I grow, some tips for growing them yourselves and asking
How to care for strawberries – and create a clone army Read More »
Water is probably the most important resource for gardeners, especially during the summer months. I felt it might be of some help to share what I do know and what I have learned about water conservation in the past few years. As we see more and more effects of climate change, there are regular hose
How to conserve water in your garden Read More »
Peas are one of my favourite crops to grow in the summer garden. They are easy to grow, quick to germinate always look beautiful. There are fewer joys in life comparable to that of picking peas straight from the vine and eating them fresh. They’re like nature’s candy. There are two types of peas you
Raspberries are a surprisingly easy to grow plant that produce lots of fruit. Also, they are divinely delicious straight off the bush. What does it for me is the texture versus the flavour. I love that when you pop them in your mouth they’re soft and furry then when you bite in, they are tart
How to grow raspberries – and why you might regret it forever Read More »
