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: When to Prune Roses in the UK Want your rose bushes to bloom big and healthy each summer? It all starts with good timing. In the UK, the best time to prune most roses is late winter, from January to early March, just before
There is lots of talk around whether you cut wet grass and the simple answer is yes – However, there are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to cutting grass when wet. We will go through them in this article, by the end you
Bug hotels provide nesting and sheltering spaces for solitary bees, beetles, ladybirds and other beneficial garden insects. They can be built from simple materials such as untreated wood, hollow stems, bark, dry leaves and old bricks, many of which you may already have in the
Introduction Banana peel fertiliser has become a go-to method for gardeners looking to reuse kitchen scraps and boost plant growth naturally. While banana peels were once tossed straight into compost bins, they’re now gaining attention as a stand-alone, DIY fertiliser. Often referred to as “banana
Is Dandelion Tea Good for You? Benefits, Side Effects & How to Brew It Dandelion tea — whether made from the root, leaves, or flowers — has been a staple in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. Today, it’s still enjoyed as a comforting, caffeine-free herbal
Yes, you can make money growing plants in the UK, but for most people it works better as a bit of side income than a full-time wage. The easiest place to start is usually not with unusual “high-value” crops. It is with simple plants people
What this article will cover: How to make a small batch of jam in 30 minuites Ingredients: What you will need: Pair your delicious homemade jam with the perfect flapjacks—learn how in our guide on How to Make the Best Flapjacks. Directions Where can I
How to grow a Herb Garden for beginners This article will teach you what you need to set up a herb garden – a simple, easy and rewarding way to get into growing your food. We will look at what a herb garden is, the
Learning how to dry fruit in the oven is simple: prepare and slice the fruit evenly, arrange it in a single layer, then dry it slowly at a low temperature until leathery rather than sticky. You do not need specialist equipment—just an oven, a sharp
THE easiest way to peel tomatoes right here. ‘How to peel tomatoes in 3 easy steps’ is the definitive guide to getting those pesky skins off your tomato. Other ways to peel tomatoes, we’ve got that covered to
Introduction: What Perennial Vegetables Should I Grow in the UK? Looking to grow more food without doubling your effort? Perennial vegetables are one of the best ways to build a low-maintenance, self-sufficient garden. Unlike annuals—which need sowing every year—these hardy plants come back year after
Introduction If you’re looking for an easy and rewarding crop to grow, kale is a brilliant choice. This nutrient-rich leafy green is cold-hardy, beginner-friendly, and thrives in UK gardens—even with minimal space or experience. Whether you’re planting directly in the ground, growing kale in containers,