Practical organic growing guides

Clear, experience-led advice to help you build healthier soil, grow resilient crops and make confident decisions in changing conditions—without unnecessary complication.

Compost & Soil Health

Practical guides to making compost, improving your soil naturally and creating the healthy, living conditions your plants need to thrive.

Growing Guides
Compost Problems: Causes and Simple Solutions
Compost Problems: Causes and Simple Solutions

Diagnose and fix common composting problems, including unpleasant smells, excess moisture, slow decomposition, flies, rodents, weeds and dry compost.

How to Use Animal Manure Safely in the Garden
How to Use Animal Manure Safely in the Garden

Learn which animal manures are suitable for gardens, why they should usually be composted and how to avoid pathogens, herbicide contamination and overapplication

How to Make Leaf Mould and Use It in the Garden
How to Make Leaf Mould and Use It in the Garden

Turn fallen autumn leaves into a valuable mulch and soil conditioner. Learn how to make, store and use leaf mould throughout the garden.

Mulching a Garden: What to Use and How to Do It
Mulching a Garden: What to Use and How to Do It

Learn how to mulch garden soil using compost, leaves, grass, straw, wood chips and the chop-and-drop technique to conserve water and support healthier soil.

How to Improve Soil Health Naturally
How to Improve Soil Health Naturally

Improve your garden soil naturally by adding organic matter, protecting the surface, reducing disturbance and supporting the organisms that keep soil healthy.

How to Make Compost at Home: A Simple Guide
How to Make Compost at Home: A Simple Guide

Learn how to make rich, healthy compost at home using garden waste, kitchen scraps and simple materials. This practical guide explains what to add, what to avoid and how to use the finished compost.