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: When power tools stopped earning their place I didn’t set out to make a statement about tools this year. I wasn’t chasing nostalgia, and I’m not anti‑technology either. Instead, the shift towards manual hedge trimming happened gradually — driven by frustration, repetition, and what
One of the Best Natural & Organic Soaps I’ve Used When it comes to natural soap made in the UK, Hiltwood Soap earns its place as one of the best natural soaps in the UK I’ve personally used. After testing four different Hiltwood soap bars
Introduction The Pantaloon Bee (Dasypoda hirtipes) is one of the UK’s most eye-catching solitary bees, instantly recognisable by the enormous, bright orange pollen brushes on the hind legs of the females. These oversized “pantaloons” make it a favourite among photographers and a memorable sight in
Introduction — Why Vegan Soap Matters in the UK Vegan soap has quickly become one of the easiest — and most meaningful — eco‑friendly swaps in the UK. As more people look for everyday products that align with their values, searches for vegan soap UK,
Introduction Handmade soap has made a huge comeback in the UK — and honestly, it makes complete sense. As more people search for handmade soap UK options and look for natural soap bars, interest continues to grow. More of us are stepping away from synthetic
Why Small Allotments Can Be Surprisingly Productive If you’ve taken on a small allotment — or you’re working with a compact garden space — it’s completely normal to wonder whether you’ve got enough room to grow anything meaningful. But honestly? Small plots can be incredibly
Introduction Square foot gardening is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to grow vegetables in the UK, and it’s fast becoming a favourite method for anyone searching for square foot gardening UK guidance or beginner‑friendly veg plot plans. Instead of battling long, traditional
Introduction Planning your first allotment can feel like a big leap, especially when you’re trying to visualise your future allotment layout on a bare patch of earth. With so many choices — beds, crops, tools, and endless allotment ideas — it’s no surprise most beginners
Introduction Switching to DIY natural cleaning products is one of the easiest ways to create a healthier, greener, and more affordable home. Because most homemade cleaning products rely on simple, natural ingredients, you can quickly reduce chemicals, cut plastic waste, and save money without sacrificing
Introduction Cooking from scratch is one of the simplest ways to save money at home while still eating well. Homemade food tastes better, cuts out preservatives, and reduces waste—all without the premium price tag. Here’s the straightforward version of why it works: By choosing ingredients
Introduction Choosing a truly natural soap shouldn’t feel confusing. Yet with terms like organic, natural, handmade, and even organic soap UK used so loosely, it’s easy to feel unsure about what any of it really means. Most of us simply want cleaner ingredients, gentler formulas,
Introduction: Why Palm Oil Free Soap Matters Palm oil shows up in far more everyday products than most people realise—food, cosmetics, detergents, candles, and especially soap. However, the environmental cost behind this convenience is significant. Because palm oil is linked to large‑scale deforestation and biodiversity