You may see composts formulated for veg growing. These are very similar to multipurpose composts, but may have a slightly different balance of nutrients. Some are excellent, some are less good. Look at our grow bags results. Mycorrhizal fungi enter into the roots of plants, sometimes even going into the actual cells themselves. This connects the plant to the incredible web of hyphae under the soil, which acts like a secondary root system. The fungi can hunt down nutrients and water for the plant, using its tiny strands to penetrate parts of the soil inaccessible to plant roots. Plants can even make chemical requests to fungi for specific nutrients to aid their growth and health. The great news for the environment is that the UK government plans to ban peat use among amateur gardeners by 2024 as part of its strategy to protect peatlands.

Dalefoot’s co-founder, Professor Jane Barker, presented on the culture of horticultural peat at COP26 in November 2021. However, we know that fungi are brilliant at breaking down organic matter in our gardens. They can also transport tiny organic molecules and water along their hyphae. These strands act almost like a circulator or lymphatic system for the soil. This is a vital service for many plants. Bag pots - no need to buy extra pots! Simply shake the compost to the two ends of the bag and cut the bag across the middle. Create two freestanding open bags of compost - ‘bag pots’ into which you can plant your seedlings. The air holes towards the now bottom of the bag pot will enable excess water to drain whilst retaining a reservoir to prevent the tomatoes drying out. tbsp seasonal herbs (optional): dill, parsley, thyme, coriander, chopped garlic, herb seeds (fennel, coriander, dill)

Dates for your Diary

Kim is an award winning environmental journalist and the new editor of the re-launched Amateur Gardening magazine. ..................................................................................................................................... Kim’s climate change savvy gardening tips for November The right balance of nutrients - a good seed or potting compost should have the right balance of nutrients to grow a range of plants during this stage of their development, whereas a multipurpose compost should be able to support plants at all growth stages. Remember that most composts only have enough fertiliser to last around four weeks, so after this you will need to add liquid feed or one of our Best controlled-release fertilisers . Use compost in a well-ventilated place; keep the greenhouse or potting shed door open and avoid breathing in dust. They often contain a different mix of ingredients to those found in multipurpose composts. These include small amounts of sand, grit or vermiculite in seed and potting composts, bark in orchid compost and mostly gravel and sand in cacti composts. In fact, our testing shows really variable results for both cheap and expensive compost. The only way to really know what you're getting is to look at our results. Things to look for when buying compost

The Peatland Pavilion at COP26 highlighted “the importance of global peatlands for the climate, people, and the planet as a key nature-based solution to climate change.” IUCN UK Peatland Programme Natural pest control is truly a climate change savvy gardener’s ally in so many ways and nature’s finest predators can be encouraged in with gusto in relatively simple ways for free. To turn your outside space into a more balanced eat and be eaten ecosystem means it is then harder for one potential plant muncher to proliferate. When you consider that greater risk of pest and disease is unfortunately one of the biggest challenges with our changing climate it has become more important than ever to encourage and protect biodiversity close to home. I am Frances from Clodhopper Blooms; a flower grower and florist based in Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria. I’ve been growing flowers to sell for around 5 years, and trained with the Tallulah Rose Flower School because they advocate the use of British grown flowers and foam free floristry. I find it a lot easier to use cup measures for this recipe, rather than weighing everything out. If you don’t have US cup measures, just use a tea cup. A mini wildlife pond can be created out of an upcycled basin buried into the ground with stones placed in and around. You may attract amphibians, and many wildlife will also benefit from a water source of this kind.

2 comments

cups of finely sliced vegetables: Florence fennel, spring onion, radish, cucumber, summer squash, courgette, carrot Claimed to be suitable for germinating seeds, small seedlings and plants in patio containers, it's a good general compost, but our tests show that not all are great for all jobs. Look carefully at our results table to find one that is good for all your garden tasks.

There are other ways to make no dig beds using different amounts of compost and also no compost. Follow my You Tube channel and social media to discover how I am using different methods to make beds here in my half acre homestead. Happy climate change savvy growing Kim x ......................................................................................................................... Kim’s climate change savvy gardening tips for October

Shop by…

Looking forwards, it is a good idea to mulch everything by the spring if you can, to help conserve moisture in the ground before the main sowing and planting commences in the spring. Raising young plants - we use 25 different composts to grow tomato and marigolds, sown as seed and transplanted when they have two non-seed leaves.