News

  1. Peat free planting

    New publication - The Principles of Organic Gardening

    What are the fundamental principles behind organic gardening? We know about not using toxic chemicals, but in truth there is more, much more, to creating a resilient and healthy natural growing space.

  2. Bumblebee on Ajuga Reptans

    Worrying level of pesticides found in 'Bee Friendly' plants

    New research has found that many of the plants sold in garden centres as 'Bee or Pollinator Friendly' in fact contain dangerous levels of pesticides.

  3. Butterfly on organge flowers

    B&Q announce ban on growers treating any flowering plants with neonicotinoid pesticides

    To help support wildlife and address the declining bee population, home improvement retailer B&Q announced its flowering plant range, available from February 2018, will be grown free from all neonicotinoid pesticides.

  4. Chris Collins holding young seedlings

    One Man & his organic plot - Part Three

    Our head of Organic Horticulture Chris Collins updates us on his balcony and allotment progress including transplanting young plants, welcoming a family of blue tits, and gorging on fresh salad leaves.

  5. Insects on sunflower

    Major advances in the fight against neonics

    This week, two important steps have been made in the fight to rid our gardens and countryside of damaging neonicotinoid insecticides.

  6. Randbow chard plant

    Organic Market Report 2017

    A recent report from the Soil Association reveals that the UK organic market increased by over 7% in 2016 to £2.09bn.

  7. A slug in soil surrounded by leaves

    Farms could slash pesticide use without losses, research reveals

    Study shows almost all farms could significantly cut chemical use while producing as much food, in a major challenge to the billion-dollar pesticide industry.

  8. A person digging a hand shovel in to a raised bed

    Leicestershire master Gardeners are recruiting for volunteers!

    Leicestershire Master Gardeners have received the good news that their contract has been renewed for the next three years with Leicestershire County Council Public Health. Due to this news they are now recruiting for new volunteers across Leicestershire.

  9. Heritage seed packet

    Wishing all of our members a productive growing year...

    The Heritage Seed Library has now completed all seed orders for this year, dispatching around 20,000 packets of heritage seed to our members to grow and enjoy.

  10. Chris Collins holding young seedlings

    One man & his organic plot

    Our Head of Organic Horticulture, Chris Collins takes us on his allotment journey...