Where would we be without the wonderful world of bugs? Only a generation ago the default setting for gardens was manicured and sterile. An arsenal of artificial sprays, overzealous trimming and vigorous thwacking back helped us get there, but at what cost?
Attitudes have changed and the realisation has dawned that – hey – why don’t we just work with nature instead? It’s a lot less effort and makes for a far more interesting outlook.
Our patches of green and pleasant land should contribute opportunities for wildlife, not aggravate it. Nature is in crisis, yet the power is in our hands to do something about it, right here in our gardens and allotments. We all stand to benefit, and so do our crops.
Gardeners could do with a being a little less obsessive, so every year I do my best to let go just a little bit more. The lawn is mown less often, more patches of nettles are let be, and nectar-rich wildflowers are left to sow freer. Then when the season’s over, the secateurs are wielded with restraint. The result of all this is a noticeable increase in bees, hoverflies, butterflies, and a host of other insects, along with the birds that feed on them. It turns out leaving areas to run a little wilder brings a real sense of joy – it’s a beautiful place to be on every level.
If you’re curious to boost the bugs in your garden and fuel the cascade of benefits that come with it, these tips may help. Support the little guys and everything else follows.
LEAF IT OUT!
This story is from the October 2021 edition of Kitchen Garden.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2021 edition of Kitchen Garden.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
EASY DOES IT!
As the growing season gathers pace there's one thing often in short supply: time! Ever feel like you're chasing your tail? Benedict Vanheems offers some tips to save valuable time and effort
A NEW Kitchen garden!
It's time for sowing and planting in the new garden and while Martin is busy with that, Jill is making a tasty asparagus soup
OUR PLOTTER OF THE MONTH
Kitchen Garden readers rose to the challenge when we asked for pictures of their plots to appear in the magazine this year. It's time to meet another of our talented competition winners
MANAGING WEEDS, NATURALLY
Weeds are never far away but you can keep them at bay without recourse to weedkillers
Meet the apple doctor
KG editor Steve Ott chats to Glyn Smith, head gardener for the National Trust's Erddig estate in Wrexham, about his career and love of the garden he has tended for 38 years
A CORNUCOPIA OF COURGETTES
It's time to sow a first batch of tender crops such as courgettes for picking through the summer months. KG editor Steve Ott has some tips for a super harvest
FLAVOURSOME FRUIT CURRANTS
you If I want to plant some soft fruit that is easy to grow and will give you plenty of flavour, how about trying currants?
TRY AMARANTH! The dual-purpose veg
Garden Organic's research manager Anton Rosenfeld extols the virtues of amaranth and how to grow it
A SPACE APART
Instagrammer James Martin shares his love of gardening and how much it has helped him and his family both mentally and physically under very difficult circumstances
HITTING THE SWEET SPOT
Welcome to the wonderful world of sweetcorn as Rob Smith takes a look at both old and newer varieties, with some growing advice too