Search - Articles

, no doubt they take sustenance at the cafe/bistros in the square next door, but here is where they roost and maybe nest.And hidden in a narrow side alley, thick with natural vegetation as well as garden escapes is something you might only find in the largest

plans. Each plan contains an easy-to-follow growing calendar for 10 recommended crops. Simply choose which profile suits your circumstances best, and start sowing:• Allotmenteer• Container grower• Gourmet grower• New to the plot• Weekender

I've been putting off serious work down on the plot due to the cold (I don't believe in suffering for my vegetables), but since these last few days have been warmer, I've been unstoppable. Apart from the corollary of a messy house, it's been a very

.An inspiring book I often turn to for ideas is a small paperback by Joy Larkcom called Vegetables from Small Gardens, first published in 1976 – I'm not even sure if it's still in print. Joy introduced me to a lovely concept – the Value for Space Rating (VSR

they grew in around 10-15cm (4-6in) apart, with the same distance between each row.Encourage the plants to grow up the supports by gently twining them around the sticks. You may even need to gently tie them to the supports initially so they don't flop over

.Thankfully the numerous mini tunnels that adorn the vegetable plot were totally unmoved and the crops within them are perfect.

regularly and carefully. I even pick the courgettes when they're really quite small if I know I can't get to the plot for a while, so they don't turn into whoppers.But there always seems to be one that escapes my eagle eye, and I end up with an out

to them to improve the compost.I'm considering collecting all my tea bags and vegetable peelings at home to put on the heap - I could easily add a fetching little compost crock to my Christmas list! And what about all the neighbours' compostable waste

on the plot we'd have the whole dinner…

have been a bit chilly, but you won't find me complaining — or my lovely little seedlings that are starting to grow.Everything on the plot is pretty rosy I must say. All the onions and shallots I planted are sprouting away happily. And only a few