The Garden Smallholder

LATEST ARTICLES ( 197 )

• Allotment Addicts

  

  is a photo sharing group on Flickr, created by little old me. If you upload photos to Flickr and love taking photos of your allotment, seedlings, harvests and o... Read more

  Posted on 11 March 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• Recycling and Chicken Therapy

  

  A shed business adjacent to the allotments allows us to take away their scrap wood, they’re happy to let us in the yard at the back to take what we need. Read more

  Posted on 10 March 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• Nature Can Be Cruel, Yet So Beautiful

  

  A couple of weeks ago, following a storm, I found a little bird nest. Thankfully empty (with no sign of eggs anywhere near) it lay there, upside down on the... Read more

  Posted on 08 March 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• Big Spawn Count 2014

  

  I’m so excited! I spotted this lovely couple in the wildlife pond early this morning, a pair of common frogs in a copulatory embrace called Amplexus. I rushed t... Read more

  Posted on 07 March 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• The Big Allotment Challenge

  

  Silver River Productions, a TV company based in London are currently in production for a BBC2 primetime gardening show ‘The Big Allotment Challenge’. Read more

  Posted on 01 March 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• Onion Sets in Module Trays

  

  I usually plant my onion sets straight into the ground in spring, covering with a mesh frame to keep the birds off until they’ve sprouted and developed a good... Read more

  Posted on 27 February 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• Room in the Chicken Coop

  

  I put my name down for more rescue hens from Little Hen Rescue, the rescue took place over the weekend and I made the short journey to collect them on Sunday. Read more

  Posted on 17 February 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• Hello Old Friend

  

  The allotment in winter, thanks to a mild but very wet winter, the weeds are still growing strong. The weather continues to be dreadful, not the sort to be... Read more

  Posted on 13 February 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• Let the Chitting Begin

  

  At last, it feels like I’m doing something productive again. Laying seed potatoes out in trays or egg boxes to chit (encouraging the seed potatoes to sprout... Read more

  Posted on 06 February 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• National Nest Box Week 2014

  

  National Nest Box Week (NNBW) runs from 14th February to 21st February. The aim of NNBW is to encourage everyone to put up nest boxes in their garden,... Read more

  Posted on 03 February 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• Goodbye My Honey

  

  Yesterday I lost one of my beautiful ex-caged hens. Honey was rescued and spared slaughter last August by a wonderful hen rescue organisation called Little Hen... Read more

  Posted on 28 January 2014 HOME

• Charles Dowding’s Veg Journal Book Review

  

  Just before Christmas I was asked if I would like to review a copy of Charles Dowding’s Veg Journal, expert no-dig advice, month by month. Read more

  Posted on 23 January 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• Uh Oh! The Big 4-0!

  

  Yesterday was my birthday. The BIG 4-0. Yikes! I had a lovely day full of surprises, wonderful presents, beautiful flowers, balloons and a relaxing lunch with... Read more

  Posted on 22 January 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• Mason Bees

  

  were attracted to our bee box at the allotment last May, it was fascinating watching them building nests within the hollow tubes. Read more

  Posted on 15 January 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2014

  

  This will be my 4th year taking part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. Identify and count the number of wild birds visiting your garden for just 1 hour during... Read more

  Posted on 08 January 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• New Year Visit to the Allotment

  

  Yesterday I went to the lottie, the sun was shining which was a lovely break from the heavy rain and damaging winds that have been hanging around lately,... Read more

  Posted on 03 January 2014 GARDENING, HOME

• Happy New Year 2014

  

  As a kid I was often told that the years fly by when you’re a grown up, and don’t they just. As a brilliant growing year comes to an end I’m already looking... Read more

  Posted on 31 December 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Happy Christmas

  

  everyone, thank you for taking the time to visit and comment on the blog and welcome all our new followers! For those visiting allotment plots or raiding the... Read more

  Posted on 24 December 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Last Allotment Visit of the Year

  

  Today I went to the allotment to dig up parsnips for our Christmas Day meal, probably my last visit to the allotment before the new year arrives. The... Read more

  Posted on 22 December 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Sloe Gin

  

  On a recent visit to the allotment I spotted sloe berries growing wild nearby. It was one of those moments of complete surprise, I was actually rummaging... Read more

  Posted on 17 December 2013 GARDENING, HOME