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I'm as keen on improving my soil with manure as any other allotmenteer. I love it all - chicken, cow and best of all, horse manure. A good dollop of well-rotted manure does wonders for your soil, enriching it with nitrogen, phosphates and potassium

manures, sown onto beds and borders and forming a green carpet that can be dug directly into the soil, improving its organic content. Where areas aren't required for crops or bedding for a couple of months I put the area to good use by sowing green manures

take a bit of care and consideration; I usually plan to grow my roots in a bed that hasn't been composted for a couple of years, to ensure the soil is not too rich and nutrient-heavy for them.The ideal time for improving soil is said to be the autumn

and wind - drier conditions and improved air circulation should help control the infection without the need to resort to using a spray.

is okay cubed and roasted with cumin and a few other spices. Any further suggestions welcome!The problem improved once I started growing the coloured varieties like 'Gold Rush' and 'Jemmer', which are easily spotted among the leaves. But the truth

the country and it will really make a difference. And my reward, apart from doing my bit, is lovely compost to dig in and improve my soil.

there - the trees are blossoming like there's no tomorrow. My children and I gave my wife a small orchard for her birthday in 2000. It always looks gorgeous at this time of year, and gets better every season as the trees mature.We planted young, whippy trees - a

of flies emerges.Fruit flies (at least two Drosophila species) feature strongly, which is no surprise given the amount of apple cores, banana skins, melon shells and potato peelings we chuck in each week. Although the adult flies are only 2.5mm long

charming lady asked me a question about some scabby broad beans at Gardeners' World Live and I had to admit that I hadn't a clue; she gave me a very dirty look.In an attempt to improve my knowledge, I've been scuttling around my borders looking for critters