Retired, living in Scotland and trying to find interesting things to grow. I'm a recycler and upcycler but I am not an expert in either.
Autumn is a good time to stock up seeds for next year. Whilst it’s sad to see plants die off in autumn, it’s a bonus to be able to collect seeds or divide plants ready for next year. I’ve always described myself as a fair weather gardener because cold and frosty days don’t see much … More Something for Nothing
It’s rather sad that autumn colours don’t stay longer. It doesn’t take long for that beautiful, colourful mantle to disappear. Some of the leaves didn’t take time to present a colourful show whilst others were ablaze. The leaves of the Acer are all gone now, but those on its neighbouring contorted hazel are a mix … More Colour Me Autumn
As a child, I liked worms and would frequently take them indoors to let my mother see them. She was tolerant! The humble worm is a busy little worker and is one of your best friends in the garden. It carries on day after day producing one of the best composts you can get. It’s … More The Tale of Two Wormeries
At long last a start has been made to the fourth raised bed. The seeds are coming up in raised bed No.3, and it could quite well be a cost-cutter plan. I planted some varieties of pak choy, lettuce etc., four seeds to each square foot and four little green heads have appeared in each … More A New Start – Raised Bed No.4 And SFG
Another rustic effort with building a raised bed. I am not building for looks but basic practicality. As a recycler I often depend on what there is around me. I had the pallets and collars but I wanted it to be a raised-off-the-ground bed, so it needed legs. There were several options to give it … More New Start 4: Raised Bed (3)
It’s quite sad to think we’ve reached the ‘end of’ days. End of long summer nights, end of summer harvests etc. and although I still have some plants on the go, the greenhouse is looking a bit forlorn without all the tomato plants. Usually the hydroponic tank races away with tomato growth, but not this … More September Harvests
When I first started growing tomatoes, I had a great deal of success. Everything seemed surprisingly easy, but then I thought I could improve things. I listened to experts and tried all the recommended ways. Having a tomato nursery just five minutes’ away, I learned how they grew their tomatoes. They are grown hydroponically, in … More I Got It Wrong
I like sweet pickled beetroot and for many years, I didn’t know there were so many varieties of beetroot available. Having been given a couple of very large beetroots, I wondered how best to cook and preserve them. The biggest one was a Chioggia beetroot with beautiful rings of red and white. It’s much sweeter … More Pickled Pink
When you faithfully sow seeds and expect the result to be the same as the picture on the seed packet and your results are not quite the same, it’s easy to blame the supplier or the seeds. In fact maybe the compost wasn’t right, the sun wasn’t hot enough. Then it comes to a point … More A Harvest Of Dreams
Judging from remarks in some of the gardening forums, we are all afflicted with a common addiction. No matter how you try to kick the habit, another plant cannot be resisted. The words ‘Plant Sale’, changes your whole way of thinking. I’m sure other garden enthusiasts can identify with that. You can put your mind … More Resistance Is Futile
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