Homemade Blackcurrant Jam

I harvested enough blackcurrants to make some jam, so here’s the recipe:
I had 1lb 10oz of blackcurrants
so, an equal quantity of caster sugar – 1lb 10z
1.5 pints of water.
Remove all the stalks from the blackcurrants and stick in a large, deep saucepan. Add the water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 30 minutes.
Then, [...]

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NEWSFLASH for all Allotment Growers – Traces of herbicide Aminopyralid made by Dow Agrosciences found in manure

See here http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jun/29/food.agriculture
Thankfully I’m not affected by this, nor any of my fellow allotmenteers on our site. But, it seems to be a pretty widespread problem and very upsetting for those affected.
How could this product be allowed to be used?

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A little experimental pest prevention on the plot….

I’m battling with slugs on my plot at the moment. I’ve found some organic Slug/Snail killer from Growing Success. It seems to be doing the trick so far.
My broad beans do have some black fly on them, and I’ve experimented with some organic insecticde made from plant extracts.
However, I thought I’d take it one step [...]

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Why I Don’t Recommend Grow-Bags for Tomatoes

I’ve thought about this at some length, and, it’s a common question I’m asked about by friends etc when wanting to grow tomatoes.
In my admittedly limited experience of growing tomatoes in grow-bags I’ve found that the plants have required more attention as a result of the grow-bags.
Firstly, it’s well documented that tomatoes require support. They [...]

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Big Crops in Small Places

I got to thinking earlier about everyone being able to grow vegetables – wherever they live. Not everyone is blessed with a back garden (let alone acres of land). Some people have a balcony, some dont even have that.
So, how can everyone grow their own food?
Well, thankfully, there are plenty of plants, fruit and vegetables [...]

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