Blog Posts

This archive brings together practical, experience-led articles from The Backyard Farmer, covering gardening, DIY, indoor growing, foraging, reviews, and sustainable living. Each post is written with real-world use in mind — focusing on working with nature, building practical skills, and making sustainable choices more accessible.

Bombus soroeensis

Broken-belted Bumblebee Identification: A Complete Guide

How to Identify the Broken-belted Bumblebee in the UK The Broken-belted Bumblebee (Bombus soroeensis) is easy to recognize due to its: This species closely resembles other bumblebees, making careful observation essential for accurate identification. Learn more about UK bumblebee species and how to identify them

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Large Garden Bumblebee Identification: A Complete Guide

Bee Species Profile: Large Garden Bumblebee (Bombus ruderatus) The Large Garden Bumblebee (Bombus ruderatus) is one of the UK’s rare but important long-tongued bumblebee species. It is a crucial pollinator of long-tubed wildflowers such as foxglove and red clover, and can be found in gardens,

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forest cuckoo bee

Forest Cuckoo Bumblebee Identification: A Complete Guide

Introduction The Forest Cuckoo Bumblebee (Bombus sylvestris) is one of the UK’s lesser-known bumblebee species. Unlike social bumblebees, it doesn’t build its own nest or have worker bees. Instead, it takes over the nests of other bumblebees, relying on their workers to raise its young—a

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An 80s pop comic-style illustration of a firewood pile stacked on a pallet, partially covered by a tarp, with a rustic garden and trees in the background under sun rays.

How to Season and Store Firewood Properly

Introduction When learning how to season firewood, few things are as satisfying as a roaring fire fueled by properly seasoned logs. Burning unseasoned wood, however, often leads to avoidable problems, including: Learning how to season firewood properly not only solves these issues but also brings

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Gypsy Cuckoo Bumblebee - Bombus bohemicus

Gypsy Cuckoo Bumblebee (Bombus bohemicus): A Complete Guide

The Gypsy Cuckoo Bumblebee (Bombus bohemicus) is an intriguing and rare species of parasitic bumblebee. Renowned for its unique reproductive behavior and reliance on host species, this bumblebee plays a vital role in our ecosystem. However, its declining numbers highlight the need for conservation efforts.

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Heath Bumblebee (Bombus jonellus)

Heath Bumblebee Identification: A Complete Guide

Recognizing the Heath Bumblebee The Heath Bumblebee (Bombus jonellus) is a small, fluffy bumblebee with distinct yellow and black stripes and a pale, almost white tail. You can often spot males, slightly smaller than females, with their longer antennae and yellow facial hair. Unlike some

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A comic-style image of a person wearing gloves, goggles, and sturdy boots while collecting firewood in a wooded area, emphasizing safety and responsibility.

Legal and Safety Tips for Collecting Firewood

Introduction Collecting firewood can be a rewarding way to save money, stay warm, and enjoy the great outdoors. However, following legal tips for collecting firewood is essential to avoid fines, protect the environment, and ensure your own safety. It’s not as simple as picking up

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Common Carder Bee Bombus pascuorum

Common Carder Bee Identification: A Complete Guide

Common Carder Bee Species Profile The Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) is one of the most cherished bumblebee species in the UK. Its warm ginger-brown thorax and ability to thrive in various environments make it a frequent visitor to gardens, meadows, hedgerows, and grasslands. For

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