Fergus Dowding

It’s irresistibly dangerous predicting the weather in a monthly magazine, but after such a cold spring, the wind centred in the northeast may treat us to a flaming June. Even if not, June is a busy month. We have been Read more »

May is a critical month for establishing so many crops, and if time is in short supply, don’t rush it, as early plantings need more work than when all is warm. It is five years since we have had such Read more »

How many ways of getting it wrong are there? Every year of sowing my seeds seems to discover a new way of getting it wrong. But all newly sown seed need is warmth, moisture, nutrients and light, so it must Read more »

As the spring gap looms, it makes sense to use as much of last year’s labours as you can. Even though the veg garden is now looking a little empty, it often holds more than you think. Parsnips are heroic Read more »

Coke of Norfolk made a big name for himself in the 18th century through doubling the production and profit on his 44,000 acre farm.  His trick was to sow stubble turnips after wheat, so growing two crops a year, feeding Read more »

Pruning fruit trees is a perfect health remedy for humans suffering daylight deficiency in the dead of winter, and makes the tree healthier and more productive too. The main aim with all fruit trees and soft bush fruit is to Read more »

Christmas is a good time to reflect on what you eat, or over-eat. Every week scientists reveal ways of changing our diet and extend our lives by another few years, so the good news is that we will all live Read more »

This is a gorgeous time of year, harvesting the fruits of your labours. Apples and pears are often confused by a hot few summer months, and some have dropped early while the rest of the crop is still on the Read more »

Hopefully after a wet August we will have an Indian summer. The hot spell in June fired up all our summer crops, with the result that most have continued yielding well in the damp weather. A high point has been Read more »