Organic Compost

There are still a lot of misunderstandings about compost making. While there is nothing wrong with a bin or tumbler out by the shed, if you want to produce a consistent supply of good quality compost for your whole garden, then (like anything else) it just takes a bit of planning and preparation.

Here is a short video that shows how simple it can be. You can also find more details on our Organic Garden Compost page. From there you can also get an excellent e-book describing the ideal biodynamic method of composting.

My Tomatoes are Cracking

To grow properly, tomatoes need a constant supply of moisture. If there is a sudden, heavy shower, the fruit may swell too quickly - causing these cracks. The risk is greatest (as in this case) with small fruit in relatively dry conditions that suddenly change.

Inside, the fruit will be fine, but this weakness in the skin mean they will probably not keep more than a day or two so, if you can, use them quickly. Maybe a nice, hearty Bolognaise Sauce would be a good idea?

A problem with my spuds!

These potato plants look as though they have been blasted by a shotgun or hit by lots of tiny hailstones, but it is actually insect damage.

The damage has been caused by 'Earwigs' and although the holes look rather random here, it is more usual to see them (on plants with very broad leaves) arranged in straight lines across the leaf.

To avoid using chemicals on this problem you have to start early (my mistake - I didn't). Earwigs hide during the day and scrunched up sheets of newspaper can make effective traps. Over time, they can help you keep the population down, but at this stage they are unlikely to do much. This late in the day, you could try rummaging about in the yard, turning stuff over to find them or going out at night armed with tweezers, but just putting up with scrappy looking plants is probably the only practical option. Don't worry though, they won't damage the actual potatoes.

For information on various methods for ecological gardening, Click here.