Yesterday was a beautiful midsummer day. After a long country walk, I spent plenty of time keeping on top of things in the garden. Midsummer is a time of abundance – plenty of things are already being harvested, and everything seems so lush and green. Leafy greens – kale, chard, spinach, lettuce, etc. have beenContinue reading “Midsummer Garden”
Tag Archives: gardening
Renewable Energy – Using Solar Energy is Not All About PV Panels
One day, you might be thinking, you’ll have the money to invest in photo-voltaic solar panels for your home. Many people want to start generating electricity renewably at home. But of course, this can be expensive. While you save up for this sustainable solution, it is worthwhile remembering that making the most of solar energyContinue reading “Renewable Energy – Using Solar Energy is Not All About PV Panels”
Everything Gardens – We Humans Are Not Alone
If you spend any time in a garden, or out in the natural world, you will very quickly notice that we humans are not the only ones who alter our environments. Gardening and growing are, in essence, our own ways of shaping our surroundings to meet our needs. If we are wise about it, weContinue reading “Everything Gardens – We Humans Are Not Alone”
Nitrogen Fixing Plants in My Garden
Nitrogen fixing plants play important roles in a permaculture garden. Certain plants form symbiotic relationships with beneficial bacteria in their roots. These plants help to maintain a natural balance in your garden. For a green and eco-friendly garden, synthetic nitrogen fertilisers are never the answer. Nitrogen fixing plants are an important part of organic gardeningContinue reading “Nitrogen Fixing Plants in My Garden”
Reducing Plastic Use in the Garden
First of all, let me begin by saying that I take a practical approach to reducing plastic use. I am of course fully aware of the problems with plastic. But I also know that it can be a very useful material. I do have plastic in my garden – most notably, my polytunnel. (Around fiveContinue reading “Reducing Plastic Use in the Garden”
To Build Sustainability, Build Personal Resilience
On the road to sustainability, it is always important to remember that change comes first from within. As we work to create more sustainable lives, we all need to begin with ourselves. Finding ways to build personal resilience is key. By personal resilience, I mean both our ability to ‘bounce back’ emotionally when things goContinue reading “To Build Sustainability, Build Personal Resilience”
Boost Sustainability By Eating the Weeds
Whether you are currently growing your own or not, it is important to think about all the various crops you can grow where you live. But the potential of wild resources are often overlooked. It is also a good idea to think about how you can begin to make the most of nature’s bounty inContinue reading “Boost Sustainability By Eating the Weeds”
Fertilize Plants Organically For Free
In any organic garden, it is important to take steps to ensure the fertility of the soil and the health of the plants over time. You can fertilize plants organically for free by using readily available natural materials from your garden. Slow release fertilizers are added in a ‘no dig’ garden in the form ofContinue reading “Fertilize Plants Organically For Free”
Reduce Plastic Use – Make Your Own Biodegradable Plant Pots
Plastic waste is a major problem. Most of us are now aware of the massive ocean gyres… the dangers to wildlife… the huge landfill sites filled with non-compostable waste. Gardening is a great way to become more sustainable in your daily life. But gardening traditionally involves using a lot of plastic. Fortunately, there are plentyContinue reading “Reduce Plastic Use – Make Your Own Biodegradable Plant Pots”
How To Make A New Growing Area in Your Garden
I am often asked about the best ways to turn an area of lawn into a new growing area. When people make new growing areas, they often cut off the turf to get started. But I would highly recommend ditching the spade, and adopting a no dig approach. There are several different ‘no dig’ optionsContinue reading “How To Make A New Growing Area in Your Garden”