Tips for a More Sustainable Van Life

Speaking to a friend recently, we were discussing the growing trend for a more nomadic and less settled lifestyle. We were talking about how ‘van life’ can more than just pay lip service to sustainability. Obviously, those who decide to live in a van already negate all the emissions associated with a permanent abode. ButContinue reading “Tips for a More Sustainable Van Life”

Purple Sprouting Broccoli – a Great Value Crop

In my garden, one of the plants I am really enjoying eating at the moment is purple sprouting broccoli. We eat the fresh young heads raw in salads, as well as cooking them and adding them to a wide range of recipes. Purple sprouting broccoli is often overlooked by gardeners, in favour of the green,Continue reading “Purple Sprouting Broccoli – a Great Value Crop”

Things You Don’t Have to Buy if You Have a Garden

Even those of us who have gardens and tend them do not always use them to their full potential. A garden is an amazing resource. And when you have a garden, it can make it a lot easier to reduce your consumption and live in a more sustainable way. So, today, I thought I wouldContinue reading “Things You Don’t Have to Buy if You Have a Garden”

Case Study: Small Yard Food Production

This plan aims to show how food can be grown in this small space for a family of three, with minimal effort for maximum yield. The plan includes a range of small space garden solutions, and incorporates plenty of perennial plants in addition to space for annual fruit and vegetable cultivation. Thought was given toContinue reading “Case Study: Small Yard Food Production”

Market Gardening – Getting Started

If you are considering starting a market garden for the first time this year, you may be feeling somewhat overwhelmed by everything you need to do. You might be wondering whether you can really make a profit by selling your market garden produce. I have seen numerous examples of successful market gardens around the world,Continue reading “Market Gardening – Getting Started”

Do You Need a Greenhouse or Polytunnel?

If you are new to growing your own, and plan on creating a new food producing garden, one thing that you might be thinking about is whether you need a greenhouse or polytunnel. The answer, of course, will depend on your specific situation and needs. But in many temperate climate situations, I would most definitelyContinue reading “Do You Need a Greenhouse or Polytunnel?”

Why Choose Heritage Seeds?

At this time of year, many gardeners are turning their attention to ordering seeds to sow in spring. So I thought this could be a good time to talk briefly about why it is a good idea to grow heritage seeds. Heritage seeds are seeds which have been bred, often over a long period ofContinue reading “Why Choose Heritage Seeds?”

Case Study: Market Garden Permaculture Design

This is a design for a 1/2 acre market garden. As you might expect, the primary goal for this design is to grow a range of edible produce for household use and for sale. One challenge is that the site is not grid connected, so water and energy were top priorities. This design is aContinue reading “Case Study: Market Garden Permaculture Design”

Growing Your Own – Is Forest Gardening Right For You?

When most people think about growing their own, they think first about growing annual crops. Most people think of food production, it involves growing a range of common fruits and vegetables in kitchen gardens, in the ground, in raised beds, or in containers. But as those who are familiar with forest gardening will know, theseContinue reading “Growing Your Own – Is Forest Gardening Right For You?”

Edible Succulents

Succulents are extremely popular. Keeping them as houseplants is very much on trend. But did you know that you can be part of this trend and the other growing trend of growing your own edible crops at one and the same time? Most succulents are kept purely for their ornamental value, and because they areContinue reading “Edible Succulents”