Tag: Gardening Blogs

Your Complete Guide to Growing Garlic

Growing your own garlic is one of the most rewarding experiences in gardening. This versatile bulb not only adds incredible flavour to your cooking but also offers impressive health benefits and stores beautifully for months. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or looking to expand your vegetable plot, garlic is surprisingly easy to grow and incredibly satisfying to harvest.

Garlic belongs to the allium family, which includes onions, leeks and chives. Unlike many vegetables that grow from seeds, garlic grows from individual cloves planted in autumn for harvest the following summer. This means you’ll need patience, but the results are absolutely worth the wait.

What Is Garlic?

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a hardy perennial plant that produces underground bulbs divided into segments called cloves. Each bulb typically contains 8-12 cloves, depending on the variety. The plant produces long, flat leaves that grow from the base and sometimes develops a flower stalk called a scape.

Nutritionally, garlic packs a powerful punch. Fresh garlic contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese, along with compounds like allicin that give it its distinctive smell and potential health benefits. Raw garlic provides the highest concentration of these beneficial compounds, though cooking garlic still retains many nutritional properties.

The flavour of homegrown garlic far exceeds anything you’ll find in supermarkets. Fresh garlic has a complex, robust taste that varies between varieties—from mild and sweet to fiery and pungent. Growing your own ensures you get the freshest possible bulbs without any chemical treatments.

How to Grow Garlic in the UK

Growing garlic in the UK requires understanding our climate and timing your planting correctly. Garlic needs a cold period (vernalisation) to form proper bulbs, making autumn planting essential for success.

When to Plant
Plant garlic cloves between October and December, with November being ideal. This timing allows the cloves to establish roots before winter whilst ensuring they receive enough cold weather to trigger bulb formation. Avoid planting too early, as warm soil can cause premature sprouting.

Preparing Your Soil
Garlic thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Heavy, waterlogged soil will cause bulbs to rot, so improve drainage by adding compost or gritty sand if needed. Choose a sunny location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Planting Method
Separate bulbs into individual cloves just before planting, keeping the papery skin intact. Plant cloves pointed end up, 2.5cm deep and 10-15cm apart in rows spaced 30cm apart. In heavier soils, plant slightly shallower to prevent rotting. Cover with soil and mark your rows clearly.

Garlic Varieties: Choosing What to Grow

Selecting the right garlic variety makes an enormous difference to your success. You can choose between hardneck and softneck varieties, each with distinct characteristics.

Hardneck Varieties
Hardneck garlic produces flower stalks (scapes) and typically performs better in colder climates. Popular UK varieties include:

  • Lautrec Wight: A reliable French variety with strong flavour and good storage qualities
  • Chesnok Red: Purple-striped bulbs with complex, rich flavour
  • German Red: Hardy variety with excellent cold tolerance

Hardneck varieties often have more complex flavours but shorter storage life than softneck types.

Softneck Varieties
Softneck garlic rarely produces flower stalks and generally stores longer. Good options include:

  • Solent Wight: Specifically bred for UK conditions with reliable performance
  • Early Purple Wight: Harvests earlier with attractive purple-tinged bulbs
  • Cristo: Large, mild bulbs perfect for roasting

Softneck varieties typically store better and have milder flavours, making them excellent for beginners.

Elephant Garlic
Despite its name, elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum) is actually more closely related to leeks. It produces enormous bulbs with very mild flavour, perfect for roasting whole or using in large quantities.

Caring for Your Garlic

Garlic requires minimal care once established, but attention to a few key areas ensures healthy growth and maximum bulb size.

Watering
Water regularly during spring growth but avoid overwatering, which can cause fungal problems. Stop watering completely once leaves begin yellowing in summer—this helps bulbs cure properly.

Feeding
Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring when shoots appear. Avoid nitrogen-rich feeds after May, as this encourages leaf growth at the expense of bulb development.

Weed Control
Keep garlic beds weed-free, as garlic doesn’t compete well with other plants. Shallow hoeing works well, but avoid disturbing the bulbs. Mulching with compost helps suppress weeds whilst retaining moisture.

Managing Scapes
Remove flower stalks (scapes) from hardneck varieties as soon as they appear. This directs the plant’s energy into bulb development rather than flower production. Scapes are edible and make excellent additions to stir-fries.

Common Problems and Solutions

Rust
Orange spots on leaves indicate garlic rust, a fungal disease common in humid conditions. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves. Severely infected plants may need destroying.

White Rot
This soil-borne fungus causes yellowing leaves and white, fluffy growth around bulbs. Unfortunately, there’s no cure—remove affected plants immediately and avoid growing alliums in that area for several years.

Bulb Mites
Tiny white mites can damage stored bulbs. Ensure good air circulation during drying and storage, and inspect bulbs regularly.

Poor Bulb Formation
Small bulbs usually result from planting too late, inadequate cold exposure, or poor growing conditions. Plant earlier next season and improve soil drainage and nutrition.

Harvesting and Storing Garlic

Timing your harvest correctly determines how well your garlic stores and tastes.

When to Harvest
Harvest when the bottom third of leaves have turned brown but the top leaves remain green—typically July to August. Lift one test bulb to check development; cloves should fill their skins completely.

Harvesting Method
Carefully lift bulbs with a fork, brushing off excess soil but leaving roots and leaves attached. Handle gently to avoid bruising, which reduces storage life.

Curing Process
Cure garlic in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. Spread bulbs on racks or tie in bunches. Proper curing is essential for long-term storage—inadequately cured garlic will spoil quickly.

Storage Options
Once cured, trim roots and cut stems to 2.5cm above the bulb. Store in mesh bags, wooden crates, or plait into traditional garlic strings. Keep in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Properly stored garlic lasts 6-9 months.

Using Your Homegrown Garlic

Fresh garlic transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary meals. The flavour of homegrown garlic peaks about four weeks after harvest, developing complexity that supermarket garlic simply cannot match.

Cooking Tips

  • Crush garlic with the flat side of a knife to release more flavour
  • Add raw garlic at the end of cooking to preserve its bite
  • Roast whole bulbs for sweet, mellow flavour
  • Remove the green germ from older cloves to reduce bitterness

Recipe Ideas
Transform your harvest into delicious preserved garlic. Make garlic-infused oil for drizzling over vegetables, create garlic butter for bread, or pickle whole cloves for a tangy condiment. Garlic scapes make excellent pesto when blended with olive oil, nuts, and cheese.

Saving Seed Garlic
Save your best bulbs for next year’s planting. Choose the largest, healthiest bulbs from your harvest and store them carefully until autumn planting time.

Start Your Garlic Growing Journey

Growing garlic rewards patience with incredible flavour and the satisfaction of harvesting something truly special from your garden. The minimal effort required makes garlic perfect for busy gardeners, whilst the long storage life means you’ll enjoy your harvest for months.

Start small with just a few bulbs of different varieties to discover your preferences. Order seed garlic from reputable suppliers in September for October planting, and you’ll be harvesting your own aromatic bulbs next summer.

Your first successful garlic harvest will convince you that this ancient crop deserves a permanent place in your garden. The superior flavour, impressive health benefits, and simple growing requirements make garlic an essential addition to any vegetable garden.

Further Reading: Why Growing Your Own Food Has Never Been More Important, The Importance of Growing Your Own Food, The Autumn Vegetable Garden,

Scarecrows: Guardians of the British Countryside

Introduction to Scarecrows

Scarecrows, a familiar sight across the British countryside, have long been a staple in agriculture. These figures, typically crafted to resemble humans, serve an important role in protecting crops. Their presence in fields signifies a blend of tradition and practicality, embodying the ingenuity of farmers who sought simple, yet effective solutions to guard their produce.

The concept of using a human-like figure to deter birds and other animals from damaging crops dates back centuries. Over time, scarecrows have evolved from rudimentary wooden frames to more sophisticated designs. In the UK, they have become more than just agricultural tools; they are also cultural icons celebrated in local festivals and folklore.

Crafting a scarecrow is an art form in itself, reflecting the creativity and resourcefulness of those who make them. Materials like old clothes, straw, and wooden frames are typically used, with each scarecrow often bearing a unique character. This individuality not only enhances their effectiveness in the fields but also adds a touch of personality to the landscape.

In addition to their practical use, scarecrows hold a special place in British culture. They appear in various forms of media, from classic literature to modern films, often symbolising more than their intended purpose. This rich cultural significance ensures that scarecrows remain a beloved aspect of rural life, connecting past traditions with present practices.

Their enduring presence in agriculture underscores the balance between heritage and innovation. While modern methods of pest control are available, the traditional scarecrow continues to be valued for its simplicity and charm, representing a timeless solution in the ever-evolving field of farming.

Purpose of Scarecrows

Scarecrows serve an essential role in agriculture, primarily designed to deter birds and other animals from feasting on crops. By mimicking the presence of a human, they create a visual deterrent that helps safeguard fields of grain, vegetables, and fruit. This method is particularly useful against birds such as crows and pigeons, which can cause extensive damage if left unchecked.

Beyond avian pests, scarecrows can also be effective against larger intruders like rabbits and deer. Their presence can reduce the likelihood of these animals venturing into cultivated areas. While modern agricultural practices offer various pest control solutions, scarecrows remain popular for their environmentally friendly and cost-effective qualities.

The design of a scarecrow can significantly impact its effectiveness. Movement is a key factor; a stationary figure can become less intimidating over time as animals grow accustomed to it. To enhance their utility, some farmers add dynamic elements that catch the wind, such as strips of fabric or reflective materials, to maintain an element of surprise and deter persistent pests.

The position of a scarecrow within a field can also influence its success. Placing it in areas most prone to animal activity ensures better protection for vulnerable crops. Regularly relocating the scarecrow can help in maintaining its effectiveness, as animals are less likely to habituate to a constantly changing presence.

While advancements in pest control technology continue to emerge, the traditional scarecrow persists as a symbol of agricultural heritage and resourcefulness. Its simplicity, coupled with a touch of human creativity, ensures that this time-honoured tool remains a valuable asset in the efforts to protect crops.

History of Scarecrows in the UK

Scarecrows have a storied history in the UK, reflecting a blend of agricultural necessity and cultural significance. The earliest forms date back to ancient times when farmers would construct simple wooden crosses adorned with old clothes to fend off birds and other pests. These rudimentary figures were effective in protecting valuable crops from damage.

As farming techniques evolved, so did the design of scarecrows. By the medieval period, they had become more elaborate, with some regions developing unique traditions around them. In parts of England, for instance, scarecrows were crafted to resemble specific characters from local folklore, adding an element of storytelling to their practical use.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, scarecrows gained further cultural importance, particularly during the harvest season. They were often featured in rural festivals and celebrations, symbolising the culmination of a year’s hard work. These events helped to cement the scarecrow’s place in British heritage, transforming it from a simple agricultural tool to a beloved cultural icon.

Throughout British folklore, scarecrows have been imbued with various mystical qualities. Some tales depict them as protectors endowed with supernatural abilities, while others cast them in a more ominous light, as eerie figures that come to life under certain conditions. These stories have contributed to the scarecrow’s enduring presence in British culture, making it a subject of fascination and creativity.

Scarecrows also appear in various forms of media, reflecting their deep-rooted significance in British life. From literature to modern cinema, they often symbolise themes of protection, ingenuity, and the connection between humans and the land. This rich tapestry of history and culture ensures that scarecrows remain an integral part of the British agricultural landscape and cultural imagination.

Making Your Own Scarecrow

Creating a scarecrow can be both an enjoyable and practical endeavour. To get started, gather some basic materials: a wooden frame, old clothes, a hat, and stuffing material like straw, hay, or even old rags. Begin by constructing a sturdy cross-shaped frame, which will form the body and arms of your scarecrow.

Next, dress the frame in the selected clothes. An old shirt and trousers work well, giving your scarecrow a human-like appearance. Secure the clothes to the frame using string or twine, ensuring they stay in place even in windy conditions. Once dressed, stuff the clothes with your chosen material. Straw or hay is traditional, but other materials can work just as well. Make sure to pack the stuffing tightly so the scarecrow maintains its shape.

For the head, use a sack, an old pillowcase, or a similar item. Fill it with straw or other stuffing material and draw a face on it. You can get creative here—add a friendly smile or a more traditional stern look, depending on your preference. Secure the head to the top of the frame and add a hat to complete the look. The hat not only adds character but also helps to cover the top of the head, giving it a more polished appearance.

Finally, place your scarecrow in the desired location. Whether it’s a garden, allotment, or a larger field, position it securely so it can withstand the elements. To enhance its effectiveness, consider adding elements that move in the wind, such as reflective tape or fabric strips. This added motion can help keep birds and other animals at bay.

Effectiveness of Scarecrows

The success of scarecrows in deterring pests hinges on a variety of factors, with movement being one of the most crucial. A stationary scarecrow may initially be effective, but over time, birds and other animals can become desensitised to its presence. Incorporating dynamic elements, such as reflective tape, fabric strips, or even old CDs, can enhance a scarecrow’s deterrent effect by adding motion and unpredictability.

Positioning also plays a key role. Placing a scarecrow in areas most frequented by pests ensures maximum impact. However, to maintain its effectiveness, it’s advisable to move the scarecrow periodically. This prevents animals from growing accustomed to it and can keep them at bay more effectively.

Scarecrows are often complemented by other pest control methods. Netting, sonic deterrents, and even modern technologies like drones are used alongside scarecrows in contemporary agriculture. These combined strategies can provide a more comprehensive approach to protecting crops.

Despite the advent of these advanced methods, the traditional scarecrow retains its appeal. Its environmentally friendly nature and cost-effectiveness make it a viable option for many farmers. Additionally, the cultural and historical significance of scarecrows adds a layer of charm that modern methods simply cannot replicate.

While the efficacy of scarecrows can vary, their enduring presence in fields across the UK speaks to their continued relevance. The blend of tradition and practical utility ensures that scarecrows remain a valued tool in the effort to safeguard crops.

Fascinating Facts About Scarecrows

Scarecrows have been part of British agriculture and culture for centuries, with their roles evolving in fascinating ways. Before scarecrows became common, young boys known as ‘bird scarers’ would patrol fields, making noise to keep birds away. Over time, the static figures replaced these human deterrents, offering a more permanent solution.

In addition to their practical use, scarecrows have found a place in popular culture. They have been featured in numerous works of literature and film, such as L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” where the scarecrow is a memorable character seeking brains. This portrayal underscores the symbolic depth these figures can hold.

Folklore often imbues scarecrows with mystical attributes. Some stories suggest they can come to life or possess protective powers beyond their original purpose. These narratives reflect a deep cultural resonance, adding layers of meaning to their presence in fields.

Scarecrows are also celebrated in local festivals across the UK, where communities craft elaborate versions for competitions and displays. These events highlight the creativity and communal spirit associated with scarecrows, reinforcing their status as cultural icons as well as agricultural tools.💚

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Further Reading: The Importance of Growing your own Food

Homemade Fertilisers for Your Garden

Gardening is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to connect with the earth while making sustainable choices for our environment—and it doesn’t have to cost the earth, either. By creating homemade fertilisers using items you might already have around the house, you can nurture your garden, save money, and contribute to a healthier ecosystem free of synthetic chemicals.

Before getting started, remember to test your soil. Understanding what your soil lacks ensures you can give your plants exactly what they need—nothing more, nothing less. Over-fertilising, no matter how natural the source, can harm plants and upset the soil’s natural balance.

Here’s a list of some of the most effective homemade fertilisers you can try, what they bring to your garden, and how to use them.

1. Comfrey Tea

Nutrients: potassium, potassium, nitrogen

How to Prepare: Steep well-rotted compost in water for 24–48 hours. Use a ratio of 1 part compost to 5 parts water.

How to Use: Dilute further if needed and pour around the base of your plants to improve soil fertility and encourage healthy growth.

See our Blog on Comfrey Tea here

2. Animal Manure

Benefits: Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, manure helps plants grow vigorously.

How to Prepare: Allow the manure to age for several months to reduce its harshness.

How to Use: Work aged manure into your soil or mix it with water to make a nutrient-rich tea.

3. Banana Skins

Benefits: Loaded with potassium and phosphorus, banana skins are ideal for flowering plants.

How to Prepare: Chop the skins into small pieces or blend them with water for faster decomposition.

How to Use: Bury pieces in the soil near your plants’ roots or pour the blended mixture around them.

4. Seaweed

Benefits: Rich in trace elements and plant hormones, seaweed promotes plant health and resilience.

How to Prepare: Rinse any salt off collected seaweed, then soak it in water for a few weeks to create a liquid fertiliser.

How to Use: Dilute and water your plants with this nutrient-packed tonic.

5. Epsom Salts

Benefits: A great source of magnesium and sulphur, which are essential for photosynthesis and plant health.

How to Prepare: Dissolve one tablespoon of Epsom salts in a gallon of water.

How to Use: Spray the solution onto leaves or water at the base of the plant.

6. Bone Meal

Benefits: Full of phosphorus and calcium, bone meal fosters strong roots and healthy flowers.

How to Prepare: Grind clean, dry bones into a fine powder.

How to Use: Mix into the soil at the base of plants before planting.

7. Fish Emulsion

Benefits: Packed with nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace minerals, it’s excellent for leafy vegetables.

How to Prepare: Steep fish scraps in water for several weeks until the liquid ferments.

How to Use: Dilute the liquid (1 part emulsion to 10 parts water) and apply it as a plant fertiliser.

8. Molasses

Benefits: Feeds beneficial soil microbes and helps increase microbial activity.

How to Prepare: Mix one tablespoon of molasses with a gallon of water.

How to Use: Water your plants or add it to compost tea to give your soil extra life.

9. Coffee Grounds

Benefits: High in nitrogen, coffee grounds are especially great for acid-loving plants.

How to Prepare: Dry used coffee grounds to avoid clumping and potential fungal growth.

How to Use: Sprinkle them lightly onto the soil or mix them into compost.

10. Tea Leaves

Benefits: Tea leaves add nitrogen to the soil and improve its structure.

How to Prepare: Dry used leaves or compost them. Ensure no tea bags contain plastics.

How to Use: Add tea leaves directly into the soil or mix them into your compost bin.

11. Grass Clippings

Benefits: Fresh grass provides nitrogen, while dried clippings make excellent mulch.

How to Prepare: Allow the clippings to dry before use to prevent mould.

How to Use: Spread dried clippings around the base of your plants to retain moisture.

12. Egg Shells

Benefits: Eggshells add calcium to the soil, which prevents issues like blossom-end rot in tomatoes.

How to Prepare: Crush shells into small pieces or grind into a powder.

How to Use: Scatter the shells over the soil or blend them into the compost.

13. Wood Ash

Benefits: Provides your garden with potassium and trace nutrients.

How to Prepare: Use ash from untreated wood, and store it in a dry place to avoid clumping.

How to Use: Sprinkle it lightly around your garden; avoid overuse as it can raise soil pH.

14. Stinging Nettle Tea

Benefits: Contains nitrogen, iron, and other trace elements, making it a fantastic plant tonic.

How to Prepare: Steep nettle leaves in water for a few weeks to produce a nutrient-rich tea.

How to Use: Dilute the liquid and use as a foliar spray or soil fertiliser.

15. Vegetable Cooking Water

Benefits: Packed with minerals leached from vegetables during cooking.

How to Prepare: Simply save the water after boiling vegetables. Avoid over-salted water.

How to Use: Allow the water to cool before pouring it onto garden soil.

16. Old Aquarium Water

Benefits: This water contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from fish waste.

How to Prepare: Use water from a freshwater aquarium (not saltwater).

How to Use: Pour gently onto the soil around your plants, avoiding foliage.

Final Thoughts

Switching from synthetic fertilisers to these homemade alternatives isn’t just a budget-friendly move—it’s a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly gardening. By using what you already have and composting kitchen waste, you can reduce landfill contributions while creating a thriving garden ecosystem.

Remember, every plant has its own unique requirements, so test your soil, observe your garden, and apply fertilisers in moderation. Now’s the time to roll up your sleeves, improve your soil health and nurture your plants with natural, affordable care.

Further Reading: How to Discover Your Soil Type (And Why It Matters),

Take a look at our Great Range of Grow Your Own Seed Sets