Reuse and Recycle
From autumn through to spring, we get a lot of pruning and trimmings from general maintenance of our allotment and garden plots. I have already covered in an earlier article what I use woody trimmings...
View ArticleGorse flower syrup
On the way back from the shops yesterday, I was pleased to see the first of this season's gorse flowers coming into bloom. So I crossed the road and ten minutes later of very careful picking, I had...
View ArticleIKEA vs Cabbage white
Growing season underway, you may be planning or starting to sow your Brassicas. Broccoli, Cauliflower and Cabbages all need some protection from the dreaded 'Cabbage White'. Although this is a...
View ArticleGreens & Vegetables going to waste!
Since becoming dependent on DWP benefits, after losing my job and having ongoing mental health issues I have had to rethink my use and resourcefulness with the foods I can afford. In this country, we...
View ArticleDandelion Fritters
Dandelions, as I write this, are in full flower. Brightening the paths and verges everywhere, with a splash of sunshine. A much-maligned genus for its self-seeding habit and classed as a weed in this...
View ArticleCharcoal from a Cuppa
I stopped using a gas stove at my allotment as the price of gas canisters went up and I always have an abundance of scrap wood, twigs and branches around so I use my wee 'Hobostove' wood burner. All...
View ArticleHerb Use - Basil
As a chef of too many years to think of, herbs are an important ingredient in most recipes. So this is the first in a series of articles about growing, harvesting and use of this vital...
View ArticleHerb Use - Oregano
Oregano (Italian pronunciation orr-EE-ga-no) OreganoVulgare is the number one herb to flavour tomatoes for pizza sauce. Oregano, often called wild Marjoram, is a fragrant herb that belongs to the mint...
View ArticleArticle 16
This is just a wee thank you to Feedspot who just included my blog in their 70 Best UK Gardening Blogs and Websites.I'm very pleased to have reached position 22, so a big thanks to my readers and...
View ArticleFree Plant Labels
Allotmenteers, plant enthusiasts and gardeners, we don't think twice about picking up a packet of plant labels when shopping. A quick search revealed prices for labels cost between £2 and £4 and...
View ArticleItalian Beer - Recipe
One of my allotment neighbours is growing some barley this season with the intent of making some beer so I thought I'd post this recipe. It's tried and tested and produces a refreshing 'Moretti' style...
View ArticleLentil SPAM© (Vegan)
This is my latest frugal and vegan creation. It's a mimic of the store cupboard staple SPAM© which is still fairly inexpensive for a meat product. I came up with this after great success making lentil...
View ArticleHoi Sin Kale Stems & Fried Rice (Vegan option)
A little while back in March I wrote an article about Sutherland Kale, well yesterday was my first harvest so here's what I did with it. In preparation, I removed the leaves from the stems by simply...
View ArticleChickpea Cheese Vegan (Spreadable)
Cheese is one of my favourite foods and luxury since prices keep increasing. The only time I have it is if I find some milk reduced in price and make it myself but that's another recipe for another...
View ArticlePlease let me know...
I would love to hear from any reader or supporter if there is anything I can do to make your experience on my blog better. Anything from layout, difficulty or problems with viewing the current theme...
View ArticleSmoker Project
Recently our allotment has had a steady supply of pallets coming in and has fueled many allotment projects. I love using my hands and building with wood so it's been great! This week I had the idea of...
View ArticleBasic Cure, fish/meat smoking
This is the mix I use for fish and meats being smoked. Ingredients:1 cup sea salt1 cup sugar (granulated or light brown)1/2-1 tsp black peppercornsThe rind of 1/2 lemon or mandarin1/2 tsp onion...
View ArticleKorean Gochujang Chard ((replace chard with any greens you have)Vegan)
This dish makes a good accompaniment, a main course served on a bed of rice, a side dish or even light lunch served in a wrap or bread of choice.Ingredients:1-2 Cloves of garlic choppedPinch of chilli...
View ArticleStore bought seasonings
Many of us have busy lives and succumb to convenience products when shopping. It's hard to avoid when so many are available, though sometimes to the detriment of our pockets. Especially recent events...
View ArticleNever too early to start seed saving!
An allotment mate gave me some peppers yesterday, both chilli and long sweet Italian peppers. Both were really tasty so decided to save the seed for next season. For seeds from peppers, tomatoes,...
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