Old gardening methods in the UK making a revival
- By Louise Barby
- 29 October 2024
- West Norfolk
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As the gardening world turns back to time-tested, environmentally friendly techniques, there's a growing recognition that nature works best when we work with it.
Gardening has always been deeply rooted in the UK's cultural and agricultural history. Over the centuries, traditional gardening techniques evolved to suit the temperate climate, and in recent years, many of these old methods are making a surprising comeback. With increasing awareness of sustainability and biodiversity, gardeners are turning to the wisdom of the past to grow healthy, vibrant gardens while protecting the environment.
One of the most notable revivals is companion planting. This ancient practice, which was used by monks and farmers in medieval times, involves planting certain crops together to benefit each other. For example, planting marigolds with tomatoes can deter pests, while beans and peas fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for other plants. The rise of organic gardening has led many to rediscover the benefits of this harmonious system, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and fertilisers.
Another method seeing renewed interest is mulching with natural materials such as straw, leaves, and wood chips. These traditional, readily available mulches were common in cottage gardens to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility. Today, mulching with organic materials also helps support soil biodiversity, providing food and shelter for insects and microbes that are crucial for a healthy ecosystem.
The old art of green manuring, which dates back to the Victorian era, is also enjoying a resurgence. Green manure crops such as clover and vetch are grown to cover and enrich the soil over the winter months, then turned into the soil in spring. This replenishes nutrients and improves soil structure, reducing the need for artificial fertilizers.
Jobs in the Garden for November
As winter approaches, November is an important month for preparing the garden for the colder months while ensuring it’s ready to burst into life come spring. Though it might seem like gardening is winding down, there's still plenty to do.
- Tidy Up the Garden: Clear away any fallen leaves from lawns, borders, and ponds to prevent disease. Composting the leaves will provide excellent organic material for the garden next year.
- Planting Spring Bulbs: November is the perfect time to plant bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. These should be planted in well-drained soil at a depth roughly three times the height of the bulb. They’ll lie dormant over winter, ready to bloom in spring.
- Pruning and Cutting Back: Many herbaceous perennials will have died back by November. Cut back the old stems to ground level, but leave some seed heads for birds to enjoy during the winter. Shrubs such as roses can be lightly pruned to prevent wind damage.
- Protect Tender Plants: If you have delicate plants that might not survive a hard frost, such as dahlias or fuchsias, now is the time to lift and store them. Alternatively, use cloches or fleece to protect less hardy plants in the ground.
- Mulching and Feeding: Adding a thick layer of mulch around shrubs and in borders helps to insulate the soil over winter, keeping roots warm and locking in moisture. Compost, bark chips, or well-rotted manure are ideal materials.
- Prepare Vegetable Plots: After clearing out the last of your summer vegetables, dig over the soil and apply organic matter to nourish it for the next growing season. November is also the time to plant garlic, onions, and shallots for a summer harvest.
- Clean and Store Tools: With less outdoor work over winter, it’s a good time to clean, oil, and sharpen garden tools. This helps extend their life and ensures they’re ready for use come spring.
Wildlife-Friendly Garden Project: Building a Bug Hotel
As gardens wind down for winter, it’s crucial to provide habitats for wildlife that will help control pests and improve biodiversity. A bug hotel is a simple, fun project that will attract beneficial insects such as bees, ladybirds, and lacewings, which in turn help with pollination and natural pest control.
How to Build a Bug Hotel
Materials:
- Old pallets or wooden crates
- Bamboo canes, hollow stems, or cardboard tubes
- Dry leaves, straw, moss, pine cones
- Bricks with holes
- Stones or small pieces of tile
- 1. Find a Location: Choose a sheltered spot in the garden, ideally against a wall or fence, and near plants or trees. This will protect the bug hotel from the worst of the winter weather.
- 2. Start with a Sturdy Frame: Stack wooden pallets, crates, or planks to create the structure of the hotel. Each layer will act as a different "floor" for the bugs. Make sure it’s stable to avoid collapse in heavy winds.
- 3. Fill Each Floor with Materials:
- o Bamboo canes or hollow stems: These are perfect for solitary bees.
- o Dry leaves, pine cones, and straw: Provide shelter for ladybirds and spiders.
- o Bricks with holes: Create hiding places for insects.
- o Flat stones or tiles: Add small spaces where bugs can hide and overwinter.
Bug hotels are not only great for wildlife but also an educational project for children, offering an insight into the importance of biodiversity in the garden. With more beneficial insects in your garden, you'll see improvements in pollination, pest control, and overall garden health.
As the gardening world turns back to time-tested, environmentally friendly techniques, there's a growing recognition that nature works best when we work with it. By blending traditional practices with modern knowledge, gardeners today are cultivating spaces that are not only beautiful but also sustainable and full of life.
As the gardening world turns back to time-tested, environmentally friendly techniques, there's a growing recognition that nature works best when we work with it. By blending traditional practices with modern knowledge, gardeners today are cultivating spaces that are not only beautiful but also sustainable and full of life.
