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.
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
Have you wanted to get stuck into foodscaping but you’re not sure how? Well the Backyard Farm is a great place to start. This blog was built from my experience of getting started with foodscaping with very little knowledge to begin with. Some ways to
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
Kale is one of the most reliable vegetables to grow in the UK. Sow it from March to June, plant it out from May to July and you can harvest fresh leaves from September through to May. It tolerates cold weather, grows in full sun
Can I remove weeds without chemicals? Yes you can! Not only is it more ecologically friendly for your foodscaped garden, it’s cheap and easy too! We will run through how to kill the weeds in your garden by using only hot water, salt, vinegar and
If you’re wondering what you can grow in autumn and winter in the UK, there are more options than you might expect. Hardy greens, root crops, winter salads and overwintering vegetables can all keep your plot productive as temperatures fall. Crops such as kale, spinach,
Foodscaping and edible gardening are transforming traditional landscaping. Instead of using purely decorative plants, why not mix in fruits, vegetables, and herbs? This approach creates a landscape that’s both visually appealing and highly functional. Why is Foodscaping Gaining Popularity? No Experience? No Problem! The best
Tomatoes can crop well outdoors in the UK when they get enough warmth, sunlight and shelter. Our short growing season, cool nights and unpredictable summer weather make timing and variety choice important. Bush tomatoes are often easiest for pots and smaller gardens, while cordon varieties