In a garden, it is important to experiment. While other gardeners, books, and other media can teach you a lot, learning second-hand is never enough to create a truly great garden. Even the very best gardens are a work in progress. All gardeners have to observe, experiment, and respond to change over time. It isContinue reading “The Importance of Experimentation in a Garden”
Tag Archives: organic gardening
Dealing With Heat in Your Garden
We’ve had some lovely warm weather here recently. Since we are in Scotland, the relatively mild summer heat is usually something to enjoy and not something to fear. I am a typical Scot and anything over around 20 degrees C. (68F) feels very warm to me! I don’t fare well in the sun and searchContinue reading “Dealing With Heat in Your Garden”
Choosing Roses For Your Garden
As I was walking in my garden today, I was struck by a number of beautiful roses that are in bloom at the moment. These were planted before we arrived at the property, and so sadly I do not know which varieties we have. I love roses, however, for a range of reasons. And onceContinue reading “Choosing Roses For Your Garden”
Not Too Late To Get Growing This Year
While I would never advise hastiness when starting a new garden, it is not too late to get growing this summer. You can still think about sowing a range of quick crops for the rest of summer and autumn/fall. And if you put some protection in place (or live in a climate without freezing winters)Continue reading “Not Too Late To Get Growing This Year”
Garden Visit – Beautiful Arts and Crafts Garden
Yesterday, on the last day of my mother-in-law’s visit, we decided to visit Kellie Castle Gardens, close to us here in Fife. As you can see from these pictures, which speak for themselves, we picked the perfect time to visit. I not only enjoyed the roses and other flowers, and the delightful smells at everyContinue reading “Garden Visit – Beautiful Arts and Crafts Garden”
Breaking Reliance on External Inputs
A well designed garden or farm does not require external inputs once established. Many growers have become reliant on fertilisers (synthetic or bought organic options) and external materials such as composts, mulches. Most buy new plants, seeds etc. over time. But once a truly sustainable system has been established, the garden should be a closedContinue reading “Breaking Reliance on External Inputs”
Drying Herbs – Which Herbs I Dry
Some culinary herbs, I can pick from my garden all year round. But some have a much shorter season. Even those that are around all year, I sometimes like to dry – sometimes because of the different flavour they impart in cooking, and sometimes because it is just easier to use dried herbs when cookingContinue reading “Drying Herbs – Which Herbs I Dry”
Forest Garden Update: Gooseberries, Comfrey, Nettles and More
Today I spent the afternoon in the forest garden, so I thought this could be a good time to give you an update from this area. Everything is going wild – with lots to harvest and plenty more on the way. The main jobs today were harvesting gooseberries, clearing things up a little, and harvestingContinue reading “Forest Garden Update: Gooseberries, Comfrey, Nettles and More”
Why I Love Mange Tout/ Snow peas/ Snap Peas
I don’t have a huge amount of space in my vegetable garden, so I want the plants I grow to work hard for me and provide as high a yield as possible. I grow and have grown a number of different shelling or podding peas in my garden. But today, having just harvested a bigContinue reading “Why I Love Mange Tout/ Snow peas/ Snap Peas”
Using Trap Crops in a Garden
There are many different forms of companion planting which can be beneficial in managing pests in an organic garden. Trap crops are one type of companion plant which can be an important part of integrated pest management. Trap crops are plants which are placed alongside, around or between the plants which you wish to protect.Continue reading “Using Trap Crops in a Garden”
EWSP Consultancy 