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 Why Grow Peas? Growing peas is one of the most rewarding experiences for gardeners, whether you’re a beginner or have a few seasons under your belt. Not only are peas easy to cultivate, but they also offer a fresh, homegrown taste that store-bought varieties
Introduction: How to Get Rid of Ground Elder How to get rid of ground elder is a challenge many gardeners face. Originally introduced to the UK by the Romans as a food source, it has since become a relentless invader in many gardens. Thanks to
In this article, we will look into hydrangea plant care and pruning. You can find Hydrangeas in the UK in many gardens, and it is easy to see why. The hydrangea plant produces huge and beautiful flowers throughout most of the year. British gardens will
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
Introduction to Growing your own Chillies Learning how to grow chillies indoors is easier than you might think—and it’s one of the best small‑space gardening projects for UK homes. Whether you’re using a sunny windowsill or setting up a simple LED grow light, you can
Introduction: Why Make a Bug Hotel? If you’re looking for a simple, rewarding way to support local wildlife, learning how to make a bug hotel is a great place to start. A bug hotel—also known as an insect hotel—is a handmade shelter designed to help
Introduction Can birds eat apples? This common question among bird enthusiasts opens up a world of opportunities to support their health and well-being. Watching birds in your garden is a delightful way to connect with nature, and feeding them is an excellent way to support
Introduction The Common Mourning Bee (Melecta albifrons) is a solitary bee species commonly found in the UK and Europe. Unlike most bees, it doesn’t collect pollen or build its own nest. Instead, it is a cleptoparasite, meaning it lays its eggs in the nests of
Active Months From March to June. Nesting Habits In Aerial or ground nests such as walls, banks or underground nests. How To Identify A Hairy-Footed Flower Bee Females A female solitary bee has a black abdomen with yellow legs. Males A male solitary bee has a
Introduction The Tree Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) identification is essential for bee enthusiasts and conservationists alike. As one of the most distinctive and recognizable bumblebees in the UK, this species emerges early in spring and plays a crucial role in pollinating wildflowers, fruit trees, and garden
Introduction The Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum) is among the first bumblebee species to emerge in spring, making it a crucial pollinator for many plants. With its small size, fast movements, and striking yellow and black bands, this bee is easy to spot in gardens, hedgerows,