15th April 2017 Spring

(plus see Homeacres no dig on BBC Gardeners World, Friday 21st April, 6 minute film) A burst of warmth, now spring reminds us that it is indeed spring and not summer. For much of the UK, there are sti

31st March 2017 Spring

Here, it has been much warmer than usual in March: the day-night average temperature was 9C/48F and we had no frost at all, breaking my records of 40 years. It has also been the dullest March since 20

15th March 2017 Spring

Exciting times, spring energy rising in the UK at least. From reports of weather in some of the USA and Scandinavia, we are fortunate to have mild temperatures and in Somerset. the first two weeks hav

1st March 2017 Spring

1st March, the start of spring by some definitions, sees the UK weather turning cooler, a sure sign that spring is underway! Hence the need for waiting to sow seeds of warmth loving plants such as tom

15th May 2016 Spring

The warmth of early May, combined with its long days, has resulted in rapid growth. What a wonderful change after a slow spring. We removed most of Homeacres fleece covers on May 3rd, even though ther

1st May 2016 Spring

Frost and hail in late April were a timely reminder to wait before sowing and planting warmth-loving plants. In this area (SW England) its good to sow runner and French beans mid month, undercover, fo

14th April 2016 Spring

I have been loving the strong growth of overwintered plants such as broad beans, garlic, salad, cabbage, broccoli and kale. New plantings are appreciating any warm days but are still slowed by cool ni

31st March 2016 Spring

March was almost the coolest month of the winter: monthly averages here were 11.3C in December (freaky), 6.5C in January, 5.6C in February and 5.7C in March. Its amazing what plants can weather, as lo

15th March 2016 Spring

Sowing and planting into undug soil with a compost mulch feels different to sowing and planting into dug or rotovated soil. Your plants and seeds meet compost on the surface – and they love it.

1st March 2016 Spring

For March there is a big change to the weather pattern with more winds from north and east, cold showers and frequent frosts. There is no rush to sow, particularly outside, and see the tips below on u

14th May 2015 Spring

Coping with cold winds, planting tips, making compost, good/bad potting composts,  making new beds and salad pickings

30th April 2015 Spring

Timing sowing and planting for fickle weather, the joy of perennials, propagation and seed saving, biodynamics, courses and composting