Nitrogen is one of the major micronutrients required by plants. It is one of the most common factors limiting their growth in many ecosystems. Most leguminous and some non-leguminous (actinorhizal) plants can form symbiotic relationships with bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia - a form that can be taken up and used by plants. … Continue reading Nitrogen fixing plants – a poster
Up your compost game
We've got loads to say on compost. Plenty to write, maybe some how to's, comparisons, love letters. It's true, we love compost. Our friends over in Derby are running a Composting 101 course on 30 January in Markeaton. Check it out if you're keen to learn how to get started at home or on your … Continue reading Up your compost game
Sowing and Growing in September…
Earthed Up! focus on growing edible perennials and other useful plants. I like to mix up my perennial veg with annual plants and wildflowers too. I am developing 'Polycultural' beds in my garden that were first intended as annual veg beds. Polyculture simply means growing different plants together, rather than in a Monoculture. Currently I … Continue reading Sowing and Growing in September…
Things that go jump in the night
I am on my nightly slug patrol, in the cool breeze after another hot day. My headtorch illuminating the slime trails. I pick some of those little pale slugs from under the pots of Good King Henry. They're sprinkled with confetti from the neighbouring wild carrot flowers. There's a giant orange-skirted slimer heading for the … Continue reading Things that go jump in the night
Singin’ in the rain
For the past month or more, our main focus beyond plant growing and getting ready for markets has been constructing a massive compost bay. To house woodchip and manure that over time will become compost for mulching our outdoor beds. Also, to harvest gallons of rainwater from the bay roof! A long stretch of dry … Continue reading Singin’ in the rain
Earthed Up! 