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oblivious of the loud whizzes and bangs that keep the cats huddled in a dark corner indoors somewhere. But the cats have cottoned on to this and the moment the explosions stopped, 10.13 in East Dulwich, the black one was out of the cat flap like a shot

: granular, liquid, powder, or organic manureWatering can (for liquid application)Spade or fork (for digging in manure)March - August20 minutesWell-rotted horse and cattle manure contains plenty of nutrients for plants. It can be added before planting or used

Learn how to turn clumps of stinging nettles to your advantage, by turning them into nitrogen-rich, liquid plant food, in Rachel de Thame's video guide.sping-summerMore tips on nettles and feeding plantsRemoving stinging nettles from your garden

Watering canMay-September20 minutes to prepare the feedHarvest comfrey leaves from the base of established plants. The hairy leaves can irritate the skin, so wear gloves if necessary.Remove flowers and tough stems, then chop up the leaves and pack them tightly

While most people will be thinking about the festivities, I have other things on my mind. I'm finding myself worrying even more than usual about feeding the birds.I was brought up to love wild birds and to try to look after them. This includes

with fresh cranberries and Christmas nuts (unsalted, of course).It all looks rather festive out there. As well as feeding the birds, I leave out bowls of water for them to bathe in and drink. Bird baths are essential for birds at this time of year

Feeding the birdsFeeding birds used to be a winter activity, from Christmas until the first spring flowers appeared. But birds need our help in the summer months just as much as during the winter.Because birds breed in the spring and early summer

The soil here is rock solid. Fortunately, I planted the last of the garlic last week, before temperatures plummeted. Now, I'd need to use an ice axe, rather than a fork if I wanted to plant anything.I answered the door recently to a courier, who was rather amused to find me weari...

This Saturday (30 October) is RSPB Feed the Birds Day. To celebrate, I gave my feeders a good wash with hot water and disinfectant and bought some expensive bird seed. The birds, still busy eating aphids from the trees in the local park, are none

It's cold, there's snow on the ground, and all is quiet in the garden. But I've just been outside feeding the wildlife. In my case that does not mean putting up nut-filled bird feeders or hanging fat balls, it means tipping the kitchen waste