Tag: grow your own

Volunteering at RHS Chatsworth Flower Show

~ Katrina ~ 4 Comments

Around this time last month I was a volunteer at RHS Chatsworth Flower Show and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! I had never been to a garden show before, let alone an RHS Flower Show! I live in the Midlands, which you would think would be central to everything, but I’ve always felt the RHS gardens are just a little bit out of reach for a day visit. When I saw that the RHS were advertising for volunteers for the second year of the Chatsworth Flower Show, I instantly applied.
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March Allotment Tour Video

~ Katrina ~ 5 Comments

I’m back on your screens in my second allotment garden video! If you remember from my New Year Resolutions post, I’m making an effort to shoot more video content this year. Not only have I set up a dedicated Homegrown.Garden YouTube channel, but I’m also having fun shooting more stories on Instagram too!

In this episode, I’ll give you a tour around my plot at St. Ann’s Allotments so you can get a better idea of what my patch of dirt really looks like, as well as my (now) tidy and organised shed! I’ll share my ambitious plans for the year ahead, and show you some exciting activity that has taken place in my wildlife pond, in between the heavy snowfall.

At 29 minutes, this video is a bit of a lengthy one. They won’t all be this long I promise! So make yourself a cuppa and get comfy. I apologise in advance for my nervousness, the interrupting chainsaw and rambling! This is only my second video, so if you like what I’m doing let me know and I might even invest in a little fuzzy microphone in the future!

Trug handmade by Loldeantimber.

End of Winter Update

~ Katrina ~ 2 Comments

It’s been a funny old winter and one that has really hit the UK hard in the last few weeks.  The thick blanket of snow is almost a distant memory now as the ground thaws and the early spring flowers begin to appear. Have you noticed how deafeningly loud the birds are? At 6pm there’s still just enough light in the sky to make a quick visit to the plot after work to top up the bird feeders or sow some seeds in the polytunnel. It won’t be long now until the epic seed sowing marathon commences, but before this busy time ensues, I want to look back at the progress and changes that took place over the winter months. Continue reading “End of Winter Update” →

Garden Centre Haul Video

~ Katrina ~ 7 Comments

January is the perfect time for planning your allotment garden but It’s also a time to go crazy at the sales! I’ve been shopping like mad, grabbing as many plant bulbs as I could, tools and things I didn’t realise I needed, before waddling to the till trying not to drop anything. In my first EVER vlog, I share all the garden goodies that I bought from Homebase and B&Q in the sales!

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5 Reasons Why You Should Save Your Seed

~ Katrina ~ 4 Comments

Saving seed has become an important part of my allotment practises this year and I’ve come to realise that It’s something everyone should be doing! Not only are seeds themselves such beautiful things to study close up, but the more you grow and preserve your seed, you are in turn developing the variety to become better adapted to your growing in your soil and micro-climate conditions. Here are my 5 reasons why you should save your seed! Continue reading “5 Reasons Why You Should Save Your Seed” →

Butternut Squash and Chorizo Macaroni Cheese

~ Katrina ~ 2 Comments

I don’t know about you but autumn is the time of year when I am most excited to be in the kitchen! I think it’s just when the weather begins to turn frosty and the leaves outside crispen and curl that I particularly enjoy cooking the hearty, comfort foods that we all love to indulge in. So what a better way to celebrate the colour and taste of autumn than with this delicious seasonal dish using homegrown butternut squash? Continue reading “Butternut Squash and Chorizo Macaroni Cheese” →

TOP 7 Successes of 2017

~ Katrina ~ 12 Comments

Overall, 2017 has been a great year for growing and experimenting. I tried new methods to increase plant production, prevent diseases and I also got creative in the kitchen using the glut of the harvests to make new recipes including cakes, cider, chutneys, jams, indian snacks and desserts! Take a look at my top 7 successes for 2017 and be sure to let me know in the comments what your biggest success was for the year. Continue reading “TOP 7 Successes of 2017” →