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Photo: Milkwooders / Flickr

The word permaculture combines the words permanent and agriculture, suggesting a sustainable method of farming. Permaculture works with nature while incorporating organic, agro-forestry and other useful techniques. Poor soil, for example, can be given a boost in the beginning by introducing artificial fertilisers or by planting a green manure crop. Once the soil has been given a kick-start, there need be no further dependence on chemical supplies. A steady release of nutrients can then be supplied by compost. Read on for more permaculture principles. (more…)

Photo: dyogi / Flickr

Kitchen Gardeners International is a network of likeminded ‘green-fingered’ folk who wish to re-localise the global food supply. The founding director, Roger Doiron, was instrumental in the replanting of a kitchen garden at the White House. His challenge is for kitchen gardeners to unite to ‘feed more people healthier food while preserving and enhancing the health of the planet.’ He writes in The Kitchen Gardener’s solution: ‘Harness the power of people who grow their own nutritious, delicious, and sustainable food to help others do the same.’ (more…)

Photo: Stock.Xchng

All soil is composed of a mixture of silt, sand and clay. Soil will hold air, nutrients and water differently depending on how much of each of these three elements it contains. A well-drained soil will contain sand which makes the soil loose. Loose soil holds air and water well while also making it easy for roots to spread and grow. The best soils are loams which contain an equal mixture of sand, clay and silt. Read on to find out more. (more…)

Photo: Andy Field (Hubmedia) / Flickr

As mentioned in a previous article, the best way to ensure the health of your plants is to plant them in good soil. Good soil is rich in organic matter, soil life and nutrients. This combination allows for well-fed plants that are strong enough to stand up to pests and diseases. We also pointed out that plants should have the right amount of water and sun. Read on for more tips on how to deal with gardening problems the natural way. (more…)

Photo: Rachael & Zane Ross / Flickr

Healthy plants require healthy soil and if your plants are strong and healthy, they will be faced with fewer pest and disease problems. If your soil is indeed healthy and your plants are damaged or sick, the first thing to do is find out what caused the problem. From there you can investigate how to deal with the problem in a natural way. Read on for some natural gardening tips that address the soil, planting, watering and the elements. (more…)

Photo: Therese Yarde / Flickr

Many plant lovers spend hours talking to their plants in the hope that they will grow. Although not much research has been done to prove whether this works or not, there are many scientists out there who have come up with different theories about talking to your plants. Some agree, while others don’t believe a chat with your pot plant will make a difference. (more…)

Photo: ksbuehler / Flickr

There’s nothing more gratifying than growing your own food. It’s good for your budget and, if you grow your food organically, good for you, too. You can grow veggies and herbs in containers no matter how little space you have. And, as long as you use good plotting soil and compost, planting in containers means you don’t have to worry about weeds or bad soil quality. There’s no need to limit yourself to planting in containers, though. Get creative with these ideas for unique kitchen gardens. (more…)

Photo: ~windy~ / Flickr

Bonsai making has become the latest trend in gardening and those who do not have green fingers have been rushing to buy ready-made trees for their home. Bonsai trees are beautiful, but require a lot of time and patience. Although most know what a bonsai is, few understand and know the roots of this art. (more…)

Photo: fiveforefun / Flickr

The National Trust, with its Veg on the Ledge campaign, aims to see 600 acres of window ledges in the UK turned into vegetable patches. It’s possible to grow your own vegetables even if you don’t have a vegetable garden or access to an allotment. All you need is a sunny windowsill, some nutrient-rich potting soil, and careful watering. Start by experimenting with hardy plants like, cherry tomatoes, cabbage, lettuce and beetroot. (more…)

Photo: meganpru / Flickr

If you don’t have a garden but you’d love to grow some herbs for your kitchen, there are plenty of plants that will thrive on a sunny windowsill. They can often be grown from seed, but buying ready-grown plants from a nursery isn’t expensive – and your herbs will be ready to use far quicker. Basil, parsley, mint, oregano, chamomile and many other herbs will happily grow indoors as long as they get plenty of light. (more…)