As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to remember that contributions from the Black community extend far beyond the stories we hear in history books. In the world of gardening and horticulture, Black British gardeners have quietly made a significant impact on how we grow, nurture, and think about the land. Their contributions are…
Well, autumn has certainly settled into Derbyshire! I was hoping for a few more BBQs, but I think it’s time to hang up my tongs for the year and accept my rain poncho as part of my daily outfit! At the plot, summer crops are ending, but there’s still plenty of work to be done…
It’s taken many fits and starts but I think I’m back on track and becoming more organised, I have been writing my column for The Derbyshire Times again! Writing has always been a passion of mine, especially when it allows me to combine my love for a the allotment and and speaking realistically about mental…
Our apples look to soon be ready, I think this is going to be our largest harvest yet! We have two trees at the allotment and two at home, all dwarf and all weighed down with fruit!!
A Green Solution for Waste Management I’m excited to share my collaboration with a local small animal boarding business, Little Dolittle (based in Tibshelf, Derbyshire), and how it’s helping me achieve my no-dig goals. Running an animal boarding business comes with the responsibility of managing significant amounts of waste, particularly used animal bedding. For James…
Welcome to my blog, “Digging the Earth”! You might be wondering about the name and what it means. Well, if you haven’t already guessed, it has two meanings that reflect the heart of this blog. First, there’s the literal meaning. As a gardener, “Digging the Earth” represents the hands-on work of planting, nurturing, and growing…
This year, National Allotments Week (12th – 18th of August) is all about biodiversity—celebrating our allotments’ rich variety of life. Allotments aren’t just for growing vegetables; they’re vital havens for wildlife, supporting pollinators, insects, and other creatures contributing to a healthy ecosystem. I’m excited to join in this celebration by highlighting how our plots contribute…