Guides

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.

Are worx tools any good

Are Worx Tools Any Good?

Introduction This review covers my experience with Worx tools as a Gardener, who uses Worx tools everyday. When investing in your tools, its understandable that you want durable, budget-friendly, and high-performing equipment for a good price. Whilst Worx Tools are not as durable as more

Read Guide »
Man trimming tall hedge with Worx WG252E cordless pole trimmer while holding a review sign in garden setting

Worx WG252E Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer Review

Introduction to the Worx WG252E Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer Review The Worx WG252E Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer is a lightweight, long-reach hedge trimmer built for effortless hedge maintenance. If you’re tired of lugging heavy petrol models or dealing with annoying cords, this battery-powered hedge trimmer

Read Guide »
best grapevines for the UK

Best Seedless Grapevines for the UK: A Buyer’s Guide

Introduction Growing your own fruit is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening, and seedless grapevines in the UK are a fantastic addition to any home garden or greenhouse. Whether you want to: Seedless grapevines offer easy maintenance, excellent flavor, and reliable yields, making

Read Guide »
Person holding freshly picked red hawthorn berries in autumn sunlight – foraging guide hero image

A Forager’s Guide to Hawthorn Berries

Introduction Hawthorn berries, also known as haws, are small, bright red fruits that grow on the Crataegus tree, a member of the rose family. These hardy trees thrive in hedgerows, woodland edges, and open fields, making them a top choice for foragers and herbalists looking

Read Guide »

Large Garden Bumblebee Identification: A Complete Guide

Bee Species Profile: Large Garden Bumblebee (Bombus ruderatus) The Large Garden Bumblebee (Bombus ruderatus) is one of the UK’s rare but important long-tongued bumblebee species. It is a crucial pollinator of long-tubed wildflowers such as foxglove and red clover, and can be found in gardens,

Read Guide »
forest cuckoo bee

Forest Cuckoo Bumblebee Identification: A Complete Guide

Introduction The Forest Cuckoo Bumblebee (Bombus sylvestris) is one of the UK’s lesser-known bumblebee species. Unlike social bumblebees, it doesn’t build its own nest or have worker bees. Instead, it takes over the nests of other bumblebees, relying on their workers to raise its young—a

Read Guide »
How to Season and Store Firewood Properly

How to Season and Store Firewood Properly

Introduction When learning how to season firewood, few things are as satisfying as a roaring fire fueled by properly seasoned logs. Burning unseasoned wood, however, often leads to avoidable problems, including: Learning how to season firewood properly not only solves these issues but also brings

Read Guide »
Heath Bumblebee (Bombus jonellus)

Heath Bumblebee Identification: A Complete Guide

Recognizing the Heath Bumblebee The Heath Bumblebee (Bombus jonellus) is a small, fluffy bumblebee with distinct yellow and black stripes and a pale, almost white tail. You can often spot males, slightly smaller than females, with their longer antennae and yellow facial hair. Unlike some

Read Guide »
Scroll to Top