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.
Potatoes are normally planted between late March and May in the UK. First earlies go in first, followed by second earlies and maincrop varieties. These dates are only a guide. Light, sheltered ground may be ready in March, while cold, wet or heavy soil may
Introduction If a tree in your garden suddenly starts leaning, dropping leaves early, or showing fungus at the base, it’s easy to wonder whether something is seriously wrong. In many cases, the issue is less dramatic than it looks — trees are resilient, and seasonal
Introduction If your grow tent humidity is too high, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, high humidity in a grow tent is one of the most common problems indoor growers face, especially once plants move into the flowering stage. Plants do need some moisture in
Introduction Carrots are best sown outdoors in the UK from March to July, once the soil has started to warm. February sowings are possible under cloches, fleece, cold frames, or in a greenhouse bed, but unprotected outdoor soil is often too cold for reliable germination.
Introduction Learning how to grow carrots in the UK is mostly about getting the soil right. Carrots grow easily from seed, take up little space, and do well in gardens, raised beds, allotments, and containers. They can seem tricky if you end up with forked,
Introduction Knowing when to harvest carrots in the UK mostly comes down to timing, size, and a quick look at the root shoulder. Pull them too early and they’ll be thin and underdeveloped. Leave them too long and they can become woody, split, or lose
Introduction Potatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow in the UK. However, knowing when to harvest potatoes in the UK can make the difference between small immature tubers and a full basket of perfect spuds. The exact harvest time depends mainly on
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 Companion planting UK advice can feel confusing at first. Most of the articles online are generic or not tailored to British allotments. So if you’ve been searching for what grows well together in a British vegetable garden without the myths and magic fixes, you’re
Introduction If you’ve ever stood in front of a tray of seeds in March and thought ‘I’ve got way too many seedlings, ‘ you’re not alone. Most of us start a vegetable garden full of enthusiasm. However, by late summer, that same garden can quickly