Knowing when your trees flower, and observing how well they flower, how long the blossom period lasts, and whether the flowers are affected by anything (e.g., rain, frost, hail, disease or wind) is a crucial step in becoming a good garden dete [...]
Our organic pest and disease control strategy is dependent on getting to know your enemy—and the first step is to figure out which of the common pests and diseases are (or are likely to be) a problem at your place. Filling out the tables in th [...]
It’s important to have a diversity of soil organisms to create a healthy and functioning soil ecosystem. All the different types of animals play an important role in cycling nutrients (like carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorus) and returni [...]
In addition to the all-important micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and protozoa), and our master soil-building friends the worms, soil also contains many types of larger bugs, called arthropods. There are thousands of different spec [...]
We regularly introduce you to one of your underground friends. This week we show you how they all fit together into an amazing, complex and intriguing world beneath your feet – the soil food web. Read the article in Summer - Week 3.
The very basis of growing great organic food is to have healthy soil, so in this article we introduce a few simple tests you can do at home—for little or no cost—to assess the state of health of your soil. This will help you get to know your s [...]
Noticing how your fruit trees have performed this summer will give you vital information to guide which trees need more work. Read the article in Summer - Week 12.
Taking a nutritional snapshot of your trees will help raise awareness of the nutritional status of your trees, help you plan what needs to happen in the future, and also diagnose potential problems you’re having right now. Find the activity in [...]
The soil food web is the most important part of your garden, and in fact of our entire ecosystem—without it, our soils would be sterile and there would be no such thing as organic food. The organisms in the soil are responsible for building so [...]
Keeping good records is an important part of growing great fruit. This week we’ll go in-depth into the Fruit Tree Diary, and learn how and why recording important info about your trees can be helpful. Find the activity in Autumn - Week 9.