Easy Being Green - Top Tips

• Try not to dig your patch; instead, maintain a lightly hoed top soil. Digging releases C02 and Methane into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Undisturbed soil is healthier - worms and micro organisms will thrive and enrich your soil.
• You can never have too much compost. Compost can be used to enrich your soil and improve structure for a better crop yeild. Compost you vegetable waste, but nothing cooked, no meats or animal waste. You can even use paper and card in moderation.
• I've found planting Nasturtiums near my brassica's is a great way to divert the attention of caterpillars and butterfly's from your cabbages, whilst keeping them in the garden. In addition the flowers repel Aphids and Cucumber Beetle.
• Collect as much rain water as possible during wet spells to save on water waste. You can easily pick up a 1000 ltr (220 gallons) IBC container from most industrial parks. They shouldn't cost you anything and often have a built in tap and protective cage.
• Use all non-cooked plant-based kitchen waste for producing compost. You can never have too much of the stuff. By doing this, you will have a good, nutrience based material for your crops, reduce the contents of your wheelie bin and help our planet out.
• To help save the planet, instead of buying bamboo for your allotment, why not try using hazel sticks from your local coppice. Make sure you have permission before taking any.