A compelling call to change the way we think about gardening and growing food, Nettles and Petals is the only guide you need to make your garden more sustainable.
Full of essential information and inviting imagery, this accessible guide provides a holistic and ecological approach to gardening and vegetable growing. With a focus on biodiversity, soil health, and the creation of balanced ecosystems, Nettles and Petals is a must-read for any budding gardener.
Join Social Media Influencer of the Year 2024 Jamie Walton and the @NettlesAndPetals community on their mission to save the wild plants in our gardens and learn how to begin growing them in your spaces in a practical way.
Dig into must-know topics including:
Companion planting
The wonders of nettles and other weeds
The importance of flowers in the vegetable garden
Circular and ecological garden planning
Growing guides for Jamie’s ‘top 30’ vegetables
Seed saving and sowing
Urban and small-scale sustainable gardening
Harvesting, preserving, and sharing produce
An ideal self-purchase or a gift for the green enthusiast in your life, Nettles and Petals is perfect for anyone curious about gardening sustainably.
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER ONE: NATURE'S GREENPRINT
Introduction to Growing Vegetables
The Key Principles I Follow
Rediscovering Indigenous Growing Practices
Embracing and Increasing Biodiversity
Why Grow Our Own Food?
CHAPTER TWO: CIRCULAR GARDEN DESIGN
A Guide to Planning an Ecological Garden
The Wisdom of Woodlands Mimicked within the Garden
Edible Perennial Plants for a Resilient Vegetable Garden
Incorporating Companion Planting into Our Planting Plan
The Benefits of Polyculture Growing
Embrace Edi-mental Gardening
CHAPTER THREE: SOIL HEALTH
The Living Ecosystem Beneath Our Feet
Functions of Healthy Soil
The Severity of Soil Degradation
Quick and Easy Methods to Assess Your Garden Soil
Minimal Disturbance Gardening
Methods used to Minimise Disturbance
Implementing No-Dig / Minimal Disturbance Gardening
Guide to Creating Compost
My Guide to Creating a 3-Bay Compost System
Creating Natural Plant Fertilisers
Potential Problems with Liquid Fertilisers
CHAPTER FOUR: THE WONDER OF WEEDS
The Role of Pioneering Weeds
Reading the Signs
Welcome Weeds
Unwelcome Weeds
'When in Doubt, Use Nettles'
CHAPTER FIVE: SEED TO ROOT, SHOOT AND FRUIT
Key Principles
Start Here: 5
Veg Growing Guide
NIGHTSHADE FAMILY
Tomatoes
Chillis
Aubergines ALLIUM FAMILY
Onion
Garlics
Leeks
SALAD LEAVES
Lettuce
Spinach
Rocket
Mustard
Swiss Chard
BRASSICAS
Cabbage
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Brussels sprouts
Kale
Kohlrabi
LEGUMES
Peas
Beans
Green Beans
Broad Beans
CUCURBITS
Cucumbers
Courgette
Pumpkin
Melon and Cantaloupe
Squash
ROOT VEGETABLES
Carrot
Beetroot
Radishes
Parsnips
Potatoes
MISCELLANEOUS VEGETABLES
Sweetcorn
Asparagus
Celery
THE POWER OF HERBS
Hardy Herbs: Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Oregano
Tender Herbs: Basil, Coriander, Parsley, Dill
CHAPTER SIX: FLOWER POWER
Pollinator Magnetism
Let them Bolt
Pest Management Allies
Soil Health Booster
Culinary Companions
Therapeutic Benefits
CHAPTER SEVEN: PESTS AND DISEASES
Prevention is Better than a Chemical “cure”
Proactive Pest Management
IPM (Aphids)
Slugs and Snails
Power of Herbs for Natural Pest Control
Create a Mini Wildlife Pond in a Barrel
Create a Wildlife Mansion
Creating Beneficial Beetle Banks and Log Piles
CHAPTER EIGHT: URBAN AND SMALL SCALE SUSTAINABLE GARDENING
Challenges
Opportunities
Practical Tips
Creating a DIY Home Worm Farm
Create Compost in a Small Space Using Bokashi
CHAPTER NINE: HARVESTING PRESERVING SHARING
Timing is Everything
Canning, Freezing, Drying, Fermenting
Why Grow Heirloom?
Simple Seed Saving
Sharing Surplus Produce
CONCLUSION
ENDMATTER
Height:
Width:
Spine:
Weight:750.00