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.
Worm Casting Tea: How to Brew, Use & Boost Your Garden Organically If you’re into organic gardening, chances are you’ve heard the buzz about worm casting tea—and no, it’s not something you sip with a biscuit. This microbe-rich liquid fertiliser, made from worm castings (aka
Worm Castings vs Compost: What’s the Difference? If you’re looking to boost your soil health naturally, two tried-and-true options often come up: worm castings and compost. Both are organic soil amendments, packed with nutrients, and loved by gardeners—but they work in slightly different ways. Understanding
Introduction Worm castings might not look like much, but don’t be fooled—they’re one of nature’s most powerful organic fertilizers. Also known as vermicast or worm compost, these nutrient-rich droppings are produced by earthworms as they break down compost and organic matter. Packed with essential nutrients,
Introduction Thinking about picking up the best Haws watering can but not sure which one’s right for you? Don’t worry — you’re in good company, and you’ve landed in the right place. Whether you’re just getting into gardening or have years of muddy boots behind
Introduction Monty Don isn’t just a TV presenter — he’s become one of the most trusted voices in British gardening. For years, fans of Gardeners’ World have tuned in not only for seasonal tips and expert advice but also to see the gardening tools Monty
Introduction: Is It a Fruit or a Vegetable? 🍅 Your salad might just be a fruit bowl in disguise From the juicy tomato to the crunchy cucumber, plenty of what we toss into savoury meals are, technically speaking, fruits – at least if you’re asking
Introduction: Why Grow Lights Matter for Tomatoes Indoors Growing tomatoes indoors can be incredibly rewarding—especially when you get it right. But without proper lighting, even the healthiest plants will struggle to produce fruit. Whether you’re sowing your first seeds or pushing mature plants into flower,
Introduction to Our Review of the Spider Farmer SE5000 Searching for a powerful, efficient, and professional-grade grow light for your indoor garden? The Spider Farmer SE5000 delivers exactly that. Built for growers who demand results, it continues to earn praise across the community. What You’ll
Barebones Hori Hori Knife UK Review – Is It Worth the Hype? If you’re after a garden tool that blends rugged practicality with proper old-school craftsmanship, the Barebones Hori Hori Knife might just be your new favourite bit of kit. Unlike flimsy trowels or throwaway
Spider Farmer SF4000 Review: Is It the Right Light for Your Grow? When you’re growing indoors, your light is everything—and the Spider Farmer SF4000 LED grow light has become a bit of a legend in LED circles. Whether you’re stepping things up from a smaller
Introduction: Why I’m Reviewing Spider Farmer as a Brand If you’re new to indoor growing — or you’ve already ventured deep into the world of LED grow lights — chances are you’ve come across the name Spider Farmer. It’s a brand that appears everywhere: Over
Barebones Classic Hori Hori – A beautifully crafted, heavy-duty garden knife with a walnut handle and full-tang blade. Japeto Hori Hori Knife – A premium Japanese gardening knife with a full-tang high-carbon steel blade, ergonomic wooden handle. Spear & Jackson Hori Hori Knife – A