Author Archives: Steve Jones

Companion Planting Asparagus

Asparagus is usually quite expensive in the shops so it makes sense to grow some if you have the space. It is an easy vegetable to grow if you get the basics right and it will crop for many years. So on with companion planting asparagus. Growing Asparagus Asparagus is a perrenial vegetable, traditionally grown in it’s own bed. The bed is then kept weed free all year creating a good deal of wasted space. Of course on most plots this is just not an option, and if you are going to grow something with it , it should be… → Read More

Using Scents To Keep Pests Away

As with humans, so with the animal kingdom. Using scents to keep pests away is a pleasant way of deterring those unwanted pests from your plants. If you wish to use only organic, humane ways to deter pests from your garden then this post is for you. Using Scents To Keep Pests Away By following this list pests can be deterred from either entering your garden or, at least they can be kept away from your vegetables. Ants Ants dislike, cinnamon, Cloves, Cayenne pepper, Curry powder, Lavender and mint. Sprinkle Cinnamon powder, Curry powder or a handful of Cloves around… → Read More

The Top Danger To Dogs In The Garden

There are numerous dangers to dogs in our gardens. This includes many plants, but the top danger to dogs in the garden are slugs and snails. Dangers To Dogs In The Garden Dangers in the garden to dogs include;- Poisonous Plants – For more information on poisonous plants click here. Prickly Plants – These can injure dogs paws, eyes and other soft tissue areas like the nose. Ponds and Pools – Dogs are natural swimmers but small dogs and deep water could be a recipe for disaster. Broken Fences – A dog might see his or her chance for adventure… → Read More

10 Houseplants That Are Poisonous To Dogs

It’s not only outdoor plants that pose a threat to your pets, household plants can be also be poisonous to dogs. So here’s the growing-guides 10 houseplants that are poisonous to dogs. Keeping Dogs Safe When dogs are left at home alone, they are likely to become bored. They are then more than likely to start investigating for something to play with or something to chew. This is natural behaviour for dogs, it can also be fatal. You wouldn’t knowingly leave dangerous objects around your home for your beloved pets to harm themselves on. So here is a warning about… → Read More

The Top Five Poisonous Plants for Dogs

Most people like to have a nice garden with pleasant flowers brightening it up. If you share your garden with your dog you might be surprised at just how dangerous some of these plants can be to our canine friends. So to help you and your pets stay safe, here is the top five poisonous plants for dogs. The Top Five Poisonous Plants for Dogs Daffodils Daffodils or Narcissi bloom in early Spring, but the danger starts in Autumn when the bulbs are planted. Not only are the daffodil bulbs poisonous to dogs but also the flowers and just as… → Read More

Companion Planting Apricots

Not necessarily something you’d expect to grow in the colder climes of the United Kingdom, but apricots can and are growing in Essex at least. As with most plants, conditions can be improved by companion planting. So in this post companion planting apricots I’ll expand on what will help get the best from your apricot. Companion Planting Apricots In the United Kingdom Apricots do best in South facing gardens. As apricots are self fertile there is no problem growing single trees. Sheltering Trees From Cold Shelter apricot trees with hedging or a wicker fence to protect from winds. If severe… → Read More

Companion Planting Apple Trees

In this country there are many orchards and therefore many apple trees all producing lovely, tasty, healthy apples. Still nothing is more pleasing than to pick an apple straight from the tree and bite into that fresh, sweet tasting goodness. So in this the first post of the series, Companion Planting Apple Trees I will share some of the vegetables and herbs that will increase yield, improve flavour, or help keep your trees healthy. Companion Planting Apple Trees Apple trees need other apple trees to pollinate. Different varieties flower at different times, so ensure that all trees planted in a… → Read More

The 5 Easiest Vegetables to grow in containers

If space is limited it is still possible to grow fresh, healthy vegetables in containers. In this guide, I’ll share with you the tricks that I have learned over the years. So here it is, the 5 easiest vegetables to grow in containers. Preparation is key As with everything in life, getting the basics right will make the goal easier to attain. Use the largest pot or container you can. Fill with the best compost you can find, and plant the healthiest plants you can grow. Maintenance Container grown plants need feeding regularly with a good food like comfrey plant… → Read More

The Number One Secret To Growing Great Plants

Ask any gardener the secret to growing and they will all give you a different answer, but here is the number one secret to growing great plants. This is of course my own personal belief but it is based on years of gardening experience. Good Soil Having good soil is an important factor in growing great plants, the soil is where the plants get their nutrients from so of course good soil is a necessary element. This is why every season I add well rotted manure and fresh compost to my soil. Adding compost and / or manure will improve… → Read More

Growing Plants For Pollinators And Why It’s Important

In this post, I explore the reasons for growing plants for pollinators and why it’s important for your garden or vegetable plot. It is also important for the conservation of wildlife. There are reports that bees are on the decline worldwide, so any help we as growers can offer must be a good thing. Growing Plants For Pollinators And Why It’s Important According to the Bumble bee conservation trust, two species of bumble bee have become extinct in the UK since the start of the twentieth century. With another two species of bee in danger of imminent extinction. Theories as… → Read More