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 The Red-shanked Carder Bee (Bombus ruderarius) is a scarce and declining bumblebee species in the UK, most often associated with warm, flower-rich grasslands and lightly managed countryside. It is typically active from late spring through summer and is known for its subtle colouring and
Introduction The Bilberry Bumblebee (Bombus monticola) is a distinctive upland bumblebee closely associated with moorland and mountainous landscapes in the UK. It is most active during the warmer months, where it plays an important role in pollinating plants adapted to harsher, cooler environments. You’re unlikely
Introduction The Short-haired Bumblebee (Bombus subterraneus) is a rare and historically significant bumblebee species in the UK. Once widespread across southern England, it is now best known for its dramatic decline and subsequent reintroduction efforts aimed at restoring this lost pollinator to suitable habitats. This
Introduction The Northern White-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus magnus) is a large, striking bumblebee most strongly associated with cooler climates and upland or northern parts of the UK. It is active through spring and summer and is often seen foraging on a wide range of flowers in
Introduction The Great Yellow Bumblebee (Bombus distinguendus) is one of the UK’s rarest and most distinctive bumblebees. Once widespread, it is now largely confined to a few remote coastal areas, where it emerges during the summer months and quietly goes about its work as a
Why Small Allotments Can Be Surprisingly Productive If you’ve taken on a small allotment — or you’re working with a compact garden space — it’s completely normal to wonder whether you’ve got enough room to grow anything meaningful. But honestly? Small plots can be incredibly
Introduction Square foot gardening is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to grow vegetables in the UK, and it’s fast becoming a favourite method for anyone searching for square foot gardening UK guidance or beginner‑friendly veg plot plans. Instead of battling long, traditional
Introduction Planning your first allotment can feel like a big leap, especially when you’re trying to visualise your future allotment layout on a bare patch of earth. With so many choices — beds, crops, tools, and endless allotment ideas — it’s no surprise most beginners
Introduction: Husqvarna 350iB Review The Husqvarna 350iB (also known as the Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB) is a premium cordless leaf blower designed for anyone who wants serious performance without the hassle of petrol. As part of Husqvarna’s respected 36/40V battery platform, it delivers a powerful
How to Take a Pallet Apart (Without Breaking the Boards) Learning how to take a pallet apart the right way saves time, prevents damage, and gives you a steady supply of strong, reclaimed timber for free. Whether you’re building garden planters, DIY furniture, or a
Introduction If you’re looking for a Stihl BGA 60 review that tells it straight, you’re in the right place. The Stihl BGA 60 cordless leaf blower is one of the most powerful models in Stihl’s AK battery range, designed for UK gardeners who want petrol-like
Introduction Planning Ahead for the New Season As another growing season approaches, the first question many UK gardeners ask is: Where’s the best place to buy vegetable seeds in the UK? With so many online seed suppliers offering everything from heritage varieties to organic vegetable