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.
August has probably been the most productive month on the allotment so far. There has been plenty to harvest, the sweetcorn is getting close, and more of the plot is finally starting to look like productive growing space rather than something I am still trying
Purple sprouting broccoli (PSB) is a long-season brassica, usually sown in spring and harvested from late winter into spring. It takes patience, but it earns its space by producing fresh spears during the late-winter and early-spring hungry gap. This guide is based on UK growing
Cabbage is ready to harvest once the head feels firm and solid and has reached a normal size for the variety. Harvest times vary by type, so firmness is usually a better guide than size alone. Cabbage Harvest Season in the UK Cabbage type Typical
Parsnips are usually ready to harvest from autumn onwards in the UK, with many gardeners leaving them in the ground and lifting them as needed through winter. Timing depends on when they were sown, how well they have grown and whether the roots have reached
Brussels sprouts are usually harvested from autumn through winter in the UK, although timing depends on the variety and sowing date. Start picking when the lower sprouts are firm, tightly formed and a useful size, then work upwards as the later sprouts develop. If you’re
Mulching is a simple way to reduce garden maintenance while improving conditions around plants. The right mulch can conserve moisture, suppress weeds and protect exposed soil, while organic materials can also improve it as they break down. What Are the Benefits of Mulching? Mulch covers
Despite the name, spring cabbage grown for a spring harvest is normally sown in late summer, planted out in autumn and left to overwinter. The plants sit through the coldest months before putting on stronger growth as light and temperatures increase. You can harvest them
Winter cabbage isn’t a single variety, but a group of hardy cabbages grown for harvesting from late autumn through winter. Hardy varieties cope well with cold, but they need time to establish before the worst weather arrives. Spring cabbage is slightly different: it is usually
Collecting onion seeds is simple once the seed head is mature. Wait until the capsules turn papery and hard black seeds are visible, then cut the head, finish drying it under cover if necessary, and crumble the dry capsules to release the seed. In UK
A sustainable garden should work with its surroundings rather than constantly fighting them. The aim is to use less water, fertiliser and unnecessary chemical treatments, reduce waste and create a garden that remains attractive and productive without becoming difficult to manage. You do not need
Raised beds create productive growing space without completely digging over a garden or allotment. They give you more control over soil quality, drainage and access. Why Choose Raised Beds? Raised beds aren’t essential for growing vegetables, but they can make a growing space easier to
Jerusalem artichokes are one of the easiest winter-harvest crops to grow in the UK. Plant the tubers in spring, give the tall plants plenty of room and harvest once the foliage dies back in late autumn. They need little maintenance and can produce heavy crops,