Monday, 23rd May, 2022
The Day’s hand-picked ideas, tips to better grow Vegs, and meet people you should know.
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1
The UK is 64% self-sufficient
"the food we eat – and the way we produce it – is doing terrible damage to our planet and to our health. The global food system is the single biggest contributor to biodiversity loss, deforestation, drought, freshwater pollution and the collapse of aquatic wildlife. It is the second-biggest contributor to climate change, after the energy industry. […]our team gathered in a small tearoom overlooking a graveyard in Bristol to discuss food policy” — I strongly recommend you read the UK’s National Food Strategy which recommends actions to Government. It’s pretty clear the UK is only 64% self-sufficient - so you might want to start learning crucial skills to grow your own food rather than relying on Government action… (the deadline for them to have responded to the White Paper is already passed… if you are a keen citizen, participate in the policy discussions)
2
Anectodal garden tips
"the sooner you realize the garden myths are just that, the better you’ll do in the garden. The idea that eggshells give an instant or special boost is just plain chicken scratch." — This list did make me smile! If you want to learn more useful, science-based practices, check out these hacks.
3
Better plan that succession early
"Succession planting is the process of planting and replanting your garden throughout the growing season so that there is a constant and manageable supply of produce – from early spring right up until late fall. The method is truly one of the best ways to get the most out of your available growing space." — it sounds easy to do but it’s not; it requires some discipline. Start small, and keep improving your planning skills.
4
People you should know
"Multi Award Winning Garden Designer, TV presenter, blogger, YouTube maverick, hair style rebel & garden problem solver" Garden Ninja. — Check out his helpful blog and videos for garden design hints, tips & hacks along with a selection of how to garden guide
5
Never a dill moment
Growing your own food can be affordable: "While many of these are pretty harmless, the one I find most problematic, and the most enduring, is the idea that growing your own fruit and vegetables is a cheap and viable solution for those facing food insecurity.Most of the time, the reality is that growing your own is, at very best, marginally more costly, if not eye-wateringly expensive compared to shopping at supermarkets" — that’s right. especially if you use more chemical fertilizers also! Instead, see how you can grow more, and importantly, more nutritious Vegs without spending more.
+ Prune it like the experts: "A necessity to get the best from your, trees, good pruning not only controls and shapes the tree to your requirements, it also encourages the production of fruit buds. Trees that aren’t pruned generally take longer to reach productive age and may fruit poorly with lots of lax, unruly growth." — There is only 2 methods to learn so take a good look at your tree and go ahead. Chop Chop.
+ 100 years growing in Antartic before growing in space : "We've been learning how to grow plants in Antarctica for over 120 years, and it will help us grow plants in space." — or in your home garden in a smart greenhouse!
6
Bottom of the compost pile
"Maddening mulch myth: 2 questions to critique this article about mulching in well known press source: Is an expert regarded as an expert in the area of interest by other academic experts Is there published research provided that supports statements that don’t agree with the current body of knowledge? — Learn more about mulching as the Garden Professors destruct the journalists.
+ "Grow cover crops for in-situ mulch: Interested in using cover crops in-situ mulch but not sure where to start? Luckily, there are a few options for growing your own organic surface layer.” — so, Rye or Vetch?
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Keep Growing-
Anthony - Veg Geek