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 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 Off-grid solar systems are revolutionizing how we power our lives by offering a sustainable and independent energy source. These systems are becoming increasingly popular among those looking for eco-friendly solutions for their RVs, remote cabins, and tiny homes. By investing in off-grid solar systems,
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
Introduction Can Chickens Eat Bananas? Yes, chickens can eat bananas, and they absolutely love them! These sweet, nutritious fruits make for a delicious treat that adds variety to your flock’s diet. Bananas are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, magnesium,
Introduction Banana peel fertiliser has become a go-to method for gardeners looking to reuse kitchen scraps and boost plant growth naturally. While banana peels were once tossed straight into compost bins, they’re now gaining attention as a stand-alone, DIY fertiliser. Often referred to as “banana
Introduction: Healthy Flapjack Recipe UK In the UK, a flapjack isn’t a pancake – it’s a chewy oat bar made with oats, butter, sugar, and golden syrup. As delicious as they are, the classic version is often high in sugar and fat. That’s why so
Is Dandelion Tea Good for You? Benefits, Side Effects & How to Brew It Dandelion tea — whether made from the root, leaves, or flowers — has been a staple in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. Today, it’s still enjoyed as a comforting, caffeine-free herbal
The term’ cash crops’ is used for plants we make money from, and you can grow several cash crops at home. What you grow will depend on what space you have available more than anything else. After all, you can’t grow a field of wheat
Introduction to Foraging for Beginners UK Foraging in the UK is a rewarding activity that connects you to nature while providing free, healthy food. Whether you’re searching for mushrooms, berries, or edible plants, foraging allows you to explore the natural world and learn essential survival
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