If you're new to this blog ...

Hello and welcome: do stay and take a look around.

Who am I? Well, the potted history is as follows: I'm a journalist for Guardian Unlimited by day, and an organic allotment gardener/plant enthusiast during weekends and evenings. I've been blogging about growing fruit and veg, cooking and eating stuff and being an ethical consumer since March 2004, and I've just written a book for the Guardian (my employer) about allotments - how to get one, what to do with it when you get it and how to have fun while growing your own produce.

You can find out more about me here, and more about my book here.

Here's a selection of some of my favourite posts, which should give you a flavour and scope of this blog:

Seeds are my Jimmy Choos - or, why I always end up with far too many packets of weird and wonderful veg varieties

Brussels sprout Red Bull - in which I try growing and eating a purple sprout variety

Britain's vanishing allotments - or, why you should get yourself a plot if you don't have one already

How to care for African violets - in which ... oh, you get the idea ...

Comments

[Pam J.]

About 3 hrs ago I stumbled across your great blog while Googling for Bette Midler's quote about composting. I keep trying to leave the computer to finish up my evening before bed (it's 11 PM in Washington, DC and I have to be at work by 7:30 tomorrow AM) but I keep finding more and more things to read and enjoy. I'll definitely order your book tomorrow & I'll be back many times I'm sure. (Just noticed that you link to Garden Rant; one of the ranters lives a few miles from me & has been a close friend for 25 years! boy is the world getting smaller these days.)

[Matron]

I love the Bette Middler quote! I too have too many packets of seeds. I took out my biscuit tins yesterday to sort out some early seeds to plant. I now have 4 large biscuit tins! Can't bear to weed out the old ones - perhaps I need to eat more biscuits?

[Aloha Credit]

Hi, Not only do I love your look and feel of your blog but my favorite song is the Rose by Bette Middler. Thanks for mentioning her. I am new to blogging and I am excited for this opportunity to share.
Can you talk in the future about pruning, pruing is essential for healthy plant growth but I am having difficulty with it being a newbie.
Thanks you I am so grateful you take the time out to share on your blog
Thanks Julian

[Jane Perrone]

Thanks for those comments - will try to write about pruning soon - you're right - it's a tough subject. On the seeds, Matron, it's fun to give away excess seeds to friends and family - I often slip a packet into a birthday or thankyou card. It gives me an excuse to buy even more!