When we think of our gardens, we often envision neat lawns, colourful flower beds, and bountiful veggie patches. But have you ever considered the buzzing, chirping, and fluttering life that makes all this possible? Biodiversity – the variety of life in your garden – isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s essential for the health of your plants, the environment, and even your mental wellbeing.
As the new year begins, gardeners can get a head start on their allotments by sowing certain crops in January. Despite the cold weather, several hardy vegetables can be planted now to ensure an early and productive harvest in the coming seasons. Here are the ones I’ll be trying… Broad beansSow hardy varieties like ‘Aquadulce…
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…