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.
Introduction: Why a UK Planting Calendar Matters Knowing what to plant and when is half the battle in gardening. In the UK, our seasons can be unpredictable, and missing a key sowing window often means waiting another year. A reliable UK planting calendar helps you
Introduction to our Pallet Wood Store Guide If you’re searching for a budget-friendly, eco-conscious way to build a log store, using reclaimed pallets is one of the best options. If you’ve been wondering how to build a log store on a budget, pallets are one
Introduction Bring bold colour and character to your garden with Lauren’s Grape poppy seeds. This hardy annual (Papaver somniferum) is prized for its rich plum-purple petals, striking dark centres, and soft silver-green foliage. It’s just as eye-catching in a cottage garden border as it is
The Awkward Truth About Growing Avocados in the UK (That Blogs Rarely Mention) You’ve probably seen them — those cheerful guides on growing avocado in the UK promising guaranteed success. Many, like RHS and Urban Veg Patch, boldly guarantee results. Technically, they’re not wrong. But
Introduction to the Best Bike Trailer UK Guide A bike trailer can completely change the way you ride and help you find the best bike trailer UK for your lifestyle. It’s not just about convenience — it’s about freedom, flexibility, and cutting down on car
Introduction I’ve tried plenty of garden tools over the years, but nothing has earned a permanent place in my tool belt quite like the Japeto Hori Hori knife. Whether I’m hacking back brambles, digging out stubborn weeds, slicing through roots, trenching, planting bulbs, or even
Introduction: Best LED Grow Lights for a 4×4 Grow Tent UK (2026 Guide) The best LED grow lights for a 4×4 grow tent start with understanding that a 4×4 tent is the ideal size for many indoor gardeners — spacious enough for a strong yield,
Introduction: Do Mars Hydro Grow Lights Actually Work? Yes, Mars Hydro LED grow lights work. They are a top pick for beginner to mid-level indoor growers. These lights offer strong light output, full-spectrum coverage, and dependable results — all without breaking the bank. While they
Exclusive Japeto Discount Upgrade your gardening kit with Japeto’s premium tools — precision-crafted for comfort, durability, and performance. Use code BACKYARD10 at checkout for 10% off your order. Introduction to Japeto Garden Tools: Premium Japanese Design for UK Gardeners Tired of garden tools that crack,
Introduction A few seasons back, I was knee-deep in a big pruning job when I realised my secateurs were doing more crushing than cutting. Not only was it slowing me down, but I could almost hear the plants wincing with every squeeze. That’s when I
The Forager’s Calendar Review: Is This the Best Seasonal Foraging Guide for the UK? Looking for a UK foraging calendar that’s actually enjoyable to read — and tells you what to look for month by month? Wondering if The Forager’s Calendar by John Wright is
Bosch AXT 25 TC Best Overall In-depth Review Forest Master FM6DD Best Petrol In-depth Review Hyundai HYCH6560 Heavy Duty Introduction: Best Garden Shredders UK 2026 If you’ve ever spent a weekend wrestling with piles of garden waste, you’ll know why a garden shredder review comes