News

Garden Organic is supporting the Pesticide Free Towns campaign, launched by PAN UK.

Many a gardener were enjoying a rare few hours in the garden during the first week of April. The sun came out and warmth could be felt on my face, what a feeling it is too. It made me feel that the winter had been going on a long time. This, however is an illusion. We all seem to be weathermen (or women) these days. I put it down to the constant information we receive from the TV, social media or the paper.

Supporting birds in the garden, especially in winter months, is to be encouraged. But supplementary feeding can create risks, such as spreading disease between species.

A study in Massachusetts has found that reducing the frequency of mowing the lawn helped bee species.
Researchers tested whether mowing every 1, 2 or 3 weeks had an effect on bee abundance and diversity.

We have now sourced a suitable wrapper from the magazine made from 100% potato starch which claims to break down in a domestic compost heap. We are keen to find out if this really is the case, and if there is any additional advice we can offer to help members compost it quicker. We are composting several of the wrappers here and would love to hear how you get on composting yours. Please let us know by email to [email protected]. We will keep you updated on how we get on.

Claims are often made that pesticide use is reducing in the UK. Usually by those in the pro-pesticide camp to support their argument that there is no need for stricter regulation. But does this really hold up under close scrutiny?

In principle, organic growing uses non-renewable resources, such as plastic, as little as possible. However, any gardener will encounter plastic at some stage, from pots to wheelbarrows and waterbutts. We discuss different types of plastic, and how to be mindful of the amount you use.

The English Organic Forum, of which Garden Organic is a member, has written to Environment Secretary of State Michael Gove highlighting that the UK is lagging behind its major European competitors in the development of organic food and farming.

Garden Organic, the country’s leading organic growing charity, and PAN UK (Pesticides Action Network UK), the only UK charity focused on tackling the problems caused by pesticides, are pleased to announce their close working relationship.

As the ‘Beast of the East’ blows in, the British winter reminds us that it’s not done yet and ooh what a stinker this bit of cold is! Although looking out of my window, the freshly laid snow is strikingly beautiful. What’s amazing is that it seems to take everybody by surprise.