Author Archives: Steve Jones

Are Daffodils Poisonous To Horses?

The question are daffodils poisonous to horses? Poses a serious problem to horse owners. If left to over graze an area, horses are potentially placed at risk of serious illness. The problem is you have no idea what grew on the land in the dim and distant past. On the surface its just grazing, but amongst the roots there could be lurking a dangerous poison. Bulbs could be lying dormant for many years, possibly buried too deep to produce flowers. Not yet rotted away, these bulbs can be, depending on the plant… Poisonous. Common Questions Related to Horses and Daffodils… → Read More

Are Daffodils Poisonous to Cats?

The humble daffodil, made famous by Wordsworth’s poem are the pre runner to Spring. Cheerful, yellow flowers surrounded by green leaves marking the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring. But be warned, there is a dark side to these pleasant looking flowers, which leads to the question are daffodils poisonous to cats? The effects from consumption of daffodils can be sudden or can take time to appear, but the sooner you act, the better. Commonly Asked Questions Relating to Cats and Daffodils Helpful Resources If you are at all worried that your cat has consumed any part of… → Read More

Are Daffodils Poisonous to Dogs?

The very epitome of Spring, bright yellow trumpet like flowers blowing in the breeze, framed by dark green leaves. The Daffodil is one of the earliest sources of nectar for bees and other early pollinators. So many positives related to this Spring flower but are daffodils poisonous to dogs? Also known as Narcissus, paper white, or Jonquil, the daffodil has roughly 12 main types but within those types there are around 1300 variations. The information below applies to ALL varieties. Questions Relating to Dogs and Daffodils Helpful resources If your dog has eaten a daffodil or any part of the… → Read More

Get Rid of Blackfly on Broad Beans for Good!

The scourge of the broad bean grower, blackfly are not just unsightly. They weaken plants and leave them susceptible to diseases and infections. The best way to get rid of blackfly on broad beans for good is not as difficult as it sounds. What Are Blackflies? The blackfly that attacks your broad beans is a member of the aphid family. They survive by sucking the sap from your plants, this is the lifeblood of your broad bean plants (and any other plants). Because this sap is mainly sugar the blackfly have to consume much more than they can actually eat,… → Read More

Radish Companion Planting

Such a small and often thought insignificant plant, the radish is a very useful companion plant. Radish companion planting is all about continuity, one of the fastest growing plants that I know of, from seed to table in 6 weeks. Sow every month for a near constant supply of these tasty salad vegetables. It’s worth remembering that radishes are members of the brassica family and need to be rotated with other crops accordingly. Having said that, they make a good catch crop between rows and as markers for slower developing seeds. Radish Companion Plants There are two main companions to… → Read More

Winter Squash Companion Plants

All plants benefit from growing in companion with others, and winter squash are no exception. Below are the best winter squash companion plants I have found to increase yield, health and vigour of your plants. Although they are called winter squash, this relates to their storage ability and not to when they should be grown. Winter squash are grown at the same time as summer squash ( zucchini, patty pans, courgettes etc…) but can be saved to consume during the winter. Whereas summer squash will not store because their skin does not harden enough to keep the inside fresh. So… → Read More

Zucchini Companion Plants (Courgettes)

Whether you call them zucchini or courgettes, this summer favourite is easy to grow. As long as they are picked regularly summer squashes including zucchini, marrows, and patty pans will continue producing until the first frosts. There are many zucchini companion plants and all will benefit your plants. The key to healthy plants is as always, soil preparation. Add plenty of compost or well rotted manure to the soil to give these hungry plants a boost. Once they flower feed weekly with comfrey plant food or a good tomato fertiliser. Zucchini Companion Plants Good companion plants for zucchini (courgettes) are… → Read More

Allotment Ideas For Beginners

I live in Essex and I had to wait nearly 3 years to get my allotment, 3 years of growing in pots and containers. So when my offer for an allotment in my area came through I jumped at it. I soon started to realise how much I didn’t know, what I needed was allotment ideas for beginners. Allotment Ideas For Beginners So here’s my top tips for allotment newbies, some will be obvious and some not so, but I hope they help you on your allotment journey. The first thing I’ll say is you’re in a marathon, not a… → Read More

What Grows Well With Strawberries

Strawberries are the very epitome of summer, the taste, the look and nothing is as nice as picking a ripe strawberry from your own garden. Most of us have limited space, so companion planting is always going to be the best option. So let’s find out what grows well with strawberries. What Are Strawberries? The fruit of the strawberry plant is probably one of the most recognised fruits in the world. They are grown in most temperate zones and are used to flavour many sweets, ices and shakes. Their name is a misnomer, they are not actually berries at all…. → Read More

Growing Strawberries In Containers

Strawberries are an easy crop to grow, and work very well in pots and containers. By growing strawberries in containers you can grow at an easier to reach level. Allowing you to prevent slug damage, identify any insect infestation quickly and save your back. Growing Strawberries In Containers There are many different containers on the market now days and most can be used to grow strawberries in. These range from small, shallow, low pots to large, high, roomy containers and it all depends on your wants and needs. For instance, if you have problems with your back go for higher… → Read More