Beans are one of the easiest crops to grow. The seeds germinate in small pots of compost and the seedling plants are easy to handle and transplant to bigger pots. Using a simple plastic box, place 4 or 6 seeds, cover seeds with compost, spray surface until damp then cover the box with plastic and …Read More about Starting some magic beans
Highlights of 2015
A welcome bit of frost
A lot of older gardeners hold with turning over the soil before a frost. Letting the frost get into the soil. They say it kills of weeds and pests. In this garden, prone to slugs, it certainly does make some difference for later in the spring. It is good to see a frost after several …Read More about A welcome bit of frost
Hanging trays
Balcony rails are useful for hanging trays close to the house. These are ideal for salads and picking crops used regularly. Trays must be well secured and watched for drying out. They do sit nicely out of the way of slugs and snails. Radish are a simple crop to start with.
Composting tips 02
Making Compost The best compost is made from mixing layers of different organic materials from the kitchen and garden. The layers should not become compacted as air movement through the pile is important. A small kitchen compost box usually needs emptying twice a week adding it to the main compost pile.
Composting tips 01
Home composting means using all vegetable waste, peelings and cuttings. Cooked foods and meat waste should be avoided. All garden waste can be used. In autumn, leaves can be gathered in leaf bins, leaving them to break down over winter before including in compost bin.
Growing peppers
Growing hot chilli peppers in the city is remarkably straightforward. The plants do not take up much space and provide an excellent all year supply of spice to a wide range of meals. Growing the plants from seed means you can source exotic varieties from around the world.