I was asked for a couple of gardening tips by one of my readers. Here are my top 10:
1. Use raised beds. You get to control your soil a lot easier. I built mine straight onto the lawn, putting down old newspapers and cardboard before then covering with lots of good horse manure. You will need to top the manure every year, but that's a lot easier than digging. I cover with old sacks when not in use to keep down the weeds.
2. Good organic soil is vital. I fill my beds with the aforementioned horse poop (and my well rotted kitchen compost) but plant my veggies in little islands of shop bought potting compost. This way the plants get the best start ever and it also keeps the soil bill down.
3. Be organic and think holistic. Let the caterpillars win some. If you keep your soil happy and give your plants lots of sun and water, then they will naturally win most battles. I know cabbages are a problem because the cabbage white butterfly is very efficient. Still, I don't mind holy cabbage if it means more butterflies fluttering around.
4. If your summers are short, then a polytunnel will extend your growing season by months.
5. Companion planting is very useful. Marigolds and tomatoes to name but one very happy marriage. Carrots and onions are another.
6. Rotate your crops. Beans will also put nitrogen in your soil.
7. Mulch.
8. Sow and grow from seed. It's far cheaper and more rewarding.
9. Do not add chemicals to your veggie plot, either as a fertiliser or pesticide.
10. Dig. Get your hands dirty. Smell the earth. Be at one with mother nature. Appreciate the passing of time. The beauty of now.
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