Soil Biology: The balancing act of beneficial microbes

In the intricate world of soil biology, beneficial microbes are the unsung heroes that quietly work behind the scenes, ensuring the fertility and productivity of our soils. These microscopic organisms, including bacteria, fungi, archaea, and protozoa, may be small in size, but their impact on soil health is immense. Every organism present in the soil…


2 Natural Growers, 4 muddy boots, 1 competition

In April, Marie and Jim @4_muddy_boots agreed to stage a competition in their large allotment on behalf of Natural Grower. Marie and Jim split their tomato seedlings – grown at home on the window shelf – into two batches. Planting • Jim potted his tomato plants into pots using grow-bag peat-free composting soil. He kept…


Organic Gardening Tips For October

October is full of joyous, bright Autumn colours on all kinds of plants, from flowers to fruit. Golden leaves are falling from the trees and orange pumpkins are being harvested ready for Halloween fun! Jobs to do this month: • Sow winter lettuce in the greenhouse. Sow in to peat free compost with some of…


Go Wild for Worms!

Love your land and go wild for worms! Worms are your BFF! They provide more benefits to the soil ecosystem than any other soil-dwelling creature or organism. They have the unique ability to help regulate soil pH levels and create a favourable environment for beneficial soil microorganisms. Their subterranean feeding activity helps to keep a…


Organic Gardening Tips for September

Every day the sun is setting earlier and earlier as September is a crossroad month for seasons. We can hopefully enjoy our gardens getting some rain as it has been so dry, but at night the temperatures will start to drop, so be ready to start protecting any delicate plants. There is good news however…


Organic Gardening Tips for August

Vegetable beds and allotments are now overflowing with organic fruit and vegetables to harvest. Flower beds need dead-heading and perennials need planting. Harvest time is here. Enjoy! Crops need to be well watered, especially onions, so make sure you keep emptying the water butt and turn on the sprinkler. Be mindful of potential hose-pipe bans…


8 Reasons To Mulch (Top Dress)

Here are 8 ways that mulching with our plant feed and soil conditioner offers numerous benefits for your plants, soil and overall garden health: Soil moisture retention: Top dressing with mulch acts as a protective layer over the soil, reducing evaporation and preventing water loss. This helps to retain moisture in the soil, ensuring that…


Looking After The Soil Beneath Our Feet

We can all take the soil beneath our feet for granted. Grass and weeds thrive in it, so surely all our flowering plants, shrubs, fruit and vegetables that we want to grow will do too, right? Think again! Yes, soil is generally alive with organisms that provide the perfect environment in which our plants can…


Organic Gardening Tips for July

This is the month to start to harvest the fruits of your labours. Home grown fruit and vegetables taste fabulous – time to enjoy! Jobs to do in the garden this month: • Water and feed all areas regularly with our liquid fertiliser, especially onions if you are growing them • Dig up and enjoy…


Chemical-Free Gardening Tips #7

Chemical free tips to rebalance the eco-systems in your garden. #7: Pollinators – It’s not just bees who spread the love Pollinators play a vital role in plant reproduction. Without pollinating insects, many of our crops and wild plants wouldn’t survive. Although honey- and bumblebees get a great deal of kudos for pollination, there are…