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 – What to Harvest in May (UK) If you’re wondering what to harvest in May, this guide covers the vegetables, fruit, and herbs that may be ready to pick in late spring. May is a turning point in the UK growing season. The garden
Introduction: Winter Gardening in the UK Winter might seem like a quiet time in the vegetable garden. However, it’s far from the end of the growing season. In fact, with the right approach, growing winter vegetables in the UK can keep your garden productive right
Introduction Autumn might feel like the end of the growing season. However, for vegetable gardeners in the UK, it’s actually one of the best times to plant vegetables and prepare for the months ahead. Even though summer harvests are finishing up, the soil is still
Introduction Summer planting on these grand isles is special, and even beginners will notice the shift straight away. By June, most beds are producing an abundance of courgettes, peas, beans and tomatoes. Then, by July or August, it almost feels like its time to pause
Introduction This article is to help you when you wake up a bit fuzzy on a Sunday, get to the Allotment, and realise you have no idea what to do! (We’ve all been there) Most gardeners on these little islands don’t need more theory or
Introduction Nature does not follow a timetable, and that is the same for your garden. Conditions are variable and therefore no year is exactly the same. The weather can turn quickly, soil often warms more slowly than the calendar suggests, and advice that worked one
Introduction Spring is the busiest season for UK growers—and for good reason. After months of short days and soggy weather, the soil finally warms, the light levels increase, and the vegetable planting calendar suddenly feels wide open. Whether you’re tending a full allotment or a
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 If you’re wondering what you can grow in autumn and winter in the UK, the short answer is: more than you probably expect. A wide range of autumn and winter vegetables in the UK actually thrive in cooler weather. From winter-hardy vegetables like kale