Post by Andrew Myatt from Oxford Farmhouse on behalf of Replenish 90% of apples from English gardens go to waste? That’s terrible! Let’s do something about it. My friend showed me the Moss Cider Project, from Moss Side in Manchester. They had found there were enough apples going to waste in the centre of ManchesterContinue reading “Oxford Farmhouse – a juicy story”
Category Archives: food growing
How to make a herb spiral
Herb spirals are a permaculture design that allow you to maximise your growing space and create a range of microclimates for herbs with different needs. As with many permaculture techniques, herb spirals mimic the natural environment – for example mounds of earth and hillsides, that allow seeds and plants to naturally find colonise the mostContinue reading “How to make a herb spiral”
What is a forest garden?
In October I attended a special event at Marston Forest Garden; part of the Community Action Group Marston Community Gardening. Antony and Isobel introduced the enthusiastic attendees to the fascinating concept of forest gardens. I was immediately absorbed in a whole new world of remarkable and edible plants from onion trees and heartnuts to pignutsContinue reading “What is a forest garden?”
Biodiversity: a key to pest control
Post by Emily Guevara-Heredia on behalf of ReplenishEdited by Jo Milton What is biodiversity? To understand this word, it’s a good idea to begin with an exercise. First, I want you to remember the last time you were at a city park and the life forms you watched there. Are there any animals? How manyContinue reading “Biodiversity: a key to pest control”
How to prune and propagate currant bushes
Winter is a good time to prune currants while they are dormant. As a bonus, you can also take cuttings at the same time to make new plants. They make great gifts for friends or neighbours or offer them to your local community garden or allotment. Alternatively, you can prune currants in the summer atContinue reading “How to prune and propagate currant bushes”
Plant a nut or fruit tree this winter
Winter is the ideal time to plant trees, while they are dormant, so why not add to your edible harvests by planting a nut or fruit tree. There are lots of specialist nurseries that can help you decide on the best tree for your garden. For tips on how to plant your tree, check outContinue reading “Plant a nut or fruit tree this winter”
Herbs de Provence – grow a taste of the Mediterranean
This summer, why not experience a taste of the Mediterranean by growing some sun loving fragrant herbs. Herbs de Provence is a herb blend from the South of France. The mix is made up of herbs that you find growing on sunny hillsides in Provence. Traditionally, thyme, oregano, savory and rosemary are combined. You couldContinue reading “Herbs de Provence – grow a taste of the Mediterranean”
Making vinegar from fruit scraps
Back in May, I was invited to have a Replenish stall at Cholsey’s Green Fair. My stall was next to the Cholsey Food and Growing Group, one of the Cholsey Environment Champions. I was fascinated by the array of jars full of colourful liquids on their stall – they turned out to be vinegars madeContinue reading “Making vinegar from fruit scraps”
Growing food in small spaces
Post by Beth Astle, Barracks Lane Community Garden on behalf of Replenish Wouldn’t it be great to have a huge beautiful garden where we could grow all ourown veg. Not many of us are blessed with such a space and the amount of work an allotment takes can be overwhelming. Fear not, we can stillContinue reading “Growing food in small spaces”
The elusive last frost
Frost occurs when the temperature of the air or the ground falls below zero degrees Celsius. Gardeners need to know the last and first frost dates of the year in order to protect tender plants. The last frost date refers to the final spring frost of the year; the first frost date refers to theContinue reading “The elusive last frost”
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