This is a bumper edition of the allotment diaries, combining June and July into one recap. After a difficult monthly update at the end of May – in truth, it was more like the middle of June when I got around to publishing it – I want to try to focus on the small wins this time around, not look at how tough things have … Continue reading Allotment Diary – June and July 2024
April seemed to come and go at a rapid pace. Thankfully, when I reflect on the goings-on down the allotment, it was a very satisfying month – especially due to the fact it was a time of increased planting and sowing. The first early potatoes went in at the end of March. Following in April were both the second early varieties of ‘Charlotte’ and ‘Estima’ and … Continue reading Allotment Diary – April 2024
Would you like healthy and strong plants? Crops that aren’t destroyed by pests? And a bountiful harvest of produce? If your answer is yes to any of these (and who wouldn’t want all three) then maybe it is time to consider taking a close look at companion planting. Anyone growing vegetables at home, or on an allotment, can take advantage of it. Companion planting is … Continue reading Companion Planting for Fruit & Vegetables
I am delighted to unveil a new agreement with fruitnveggie.com. I will be featuring as a gardening ‘expert’, writing vegetable growing guides to help inspire people to grow their own food. Fruitnveggie.com is a blog all about fruit and vegetables that strives to provide educational and informative content to readers. The website has been running for almost 10 years and is full of inspirational food … Continue reading New Guest Writer Slot
The first month of 2022 positively flew by and so I welcome you all to the first of my diary updates to come from the Walled Kitchen Garden at Netherby Hall in Cumbria. January in the borderlands came and went with a wild range of weather, however, in the most, it seemed milder than to be normally expected. However, it should be said it did … Continue reading Walled Garden Diaries: Espalier Extravaganza
So comes the end of another eventful year in horticulture for me. It has been one full of success, lots of learning, and ultimately a year ending with an exciting new chapter in my gardening journey. I just wanted to take this opportunity to briefly cast my eye back on the last 12 months to pick out some of my personal highlights. After the disappointments … Continue reading Gardening Reflections ’21
Connie and Tom grow at East Neuk Market Garden in Fife, Scotland. Find out all about their farm and how they grow, as the pair give some great advice for planning your sowing, the advantages of growing transplants, and how do deal with the issue of club root. Continue reading Grow with the Pros: East Neuk Market Garden
I am thrilled to be able to unveil the plans for a new series coming to the Perennial Nerd site very shortly. The series aims to give a spotlight to amazing growers and gardens across the UK. It will include fantastic tips and advice from the experienced growers to help those growing vegetables, fruit and herbs at home, or on an allotment. Each article will … Continue reading Coming Soon: Grow with the Pros
It is miserable to see your plot sitting waterlogged after periods of heavy rain. This is something we are faced with now after a prolonged period of wet weather, but there are ways to successfully manage a plot with such drainage issues. The weather so far this year has been cold and wintry, with the UK Met Office saying January 2021 was the coldest January on record for … Continue reading How to Deal With a Waterlogged Allotment
Sowing seeds and growing your own vegetables is one of the most satisfying things you can do. A sowing plan will help organise your propagation and ensure seeds are sown at the right time, plants are strong and healthy, and you’re not having to bin straggly plants or lose out on harvests. It often pays to be patient and not rush. You will see all … Continue reading Importance of a Seed Sowing Plan
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