Thousands of organic seeds and growing advice.
ideas for your garden
If you’ve got anywhere you can fit a water butt, then do so. A shed, sloping roof, greenhouse or conservatory can all provide plenty of water. You can get a water butt, made from recycled plastic, for about £30–40. You can also divert grey water from your bath or washing machine onto the garden, Kits available from local plumbers. Butts and diverters available from www.savewatersavemoney.co.uk or DIY stores & garden centres.
You can cut down the amount of water you need by adding compost, peat free soil conditioner or the contents of used gro bags to your soil and digging it in. Using similar materials as a mulch (at least 3” thick) on top of damp soil conserves water. If you have nothing else, use multiple sheets of wetted newspaper weighed down with soil.
Go for recycled materials or those from sustainable sources and cultivate on an organic basis. Have a go at growing food. There is nothing better than home grown vegetables that have travelled only a few food-metres to reach your kitchen.
Gardens often need structures of some sort from a simple trellis to much more ambitious buildings. Make sure these are made of materials from sustainable sources. (FSC certified (Forest Stewardship Council).
Ironically gardening can be one of the most “ungreen” activities that we undertake. Gardens consisting mainly of hard landscaping with exotic plants liberally treated with synthetic fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides are highly damaging. CO2 is produced making the landscaping and the manufacture and use of the chemicals contributes to climate change and pollution. Their use can have a direct devastating effect on wildlife and they don’t do us any good either. Garden design and “fashion” can be fun but not when it encourages this approach.
Association KokopelliThousands of organic seeds and growing advice. |
Bubblehouse WormsVarious composting systems.—“Promote global worming!” |
Chase OrganicsCatalogue of seeds, other gardening products and books (a joint venture with Garden Organic). |
Fertile FibrePeat-free compost made from Coir |
Green GardenerEffective and natural pest control |
IncognitoNatural insect repellent range of products, recognised by Vegan Society. 0207 792 8687 |
Jesent products"Locally handmade useful sustainable timber products, ranging from recycling box stores, compost bins, storage units, veg grow boxes etc |
karuna18 acre permaculture project run courses, events, celebration, nature and sell fruit trees/ bushes. Picklescott, |
Larry JonesTree Work – Wrekin Woodsman 07976 957522. |
Lucy Alice GardeningA young enthusiastic Organic gardener, based in Shrewsbury...will tackle anything apart from large trees. Contact via email /instagram lucyalicegardening@gmail.com
07784187862 |
mike russell landscape and garden designDesigns with Nature .........landsacape designer in Church Stretton |
National Wildflower CentrePromotes new wildflower habitats, sells seeds and plants.
Liverpool, |
natural-skin-careNatural skin products ,including Gardeners insect repelling gel. Whitchurch 01948 666550 |
Organic catalogueDedicated to promoting Organic growing for more than 50 years. Seeds,plants,pest control etc. |
Pesticide Action Network UKThey are an action group concerned with replacing the use of toxic pesticides. They have section for all pollinators including bees |
real seed companyAs it says! A small family business supplying carefully selected and heritage vegetable seeds. Promotes seed saving. |
Seedy SundayPromotes seed swaps, the growing of local plants and preservation of biodiversity. |
Shropshire Master CompostersAdvice is given to groups and individuals on home composting by volunteers, Shropshire Master Composters are now run directly by Garden Organic. Contact the new local co-ordinator and trainer - Rachel Phillips-Street at rphillips-street@gardenorganic.org.uk or tel 07584 343846. . |
Shropshire Organic Gardeners (SOGS)Active society of organic gardeners. Talks and visits. Watch out for Potato Day, where you can buy organic seed spuds and other plants - usually 2nd weekend in February. |
Shropshire Smallholders GroupHold monthly meetings, provide information and a newsletter |
Shropshire Wildlife TrustShropshire's leading conservation charity. It manages over 40 nature reserves. Offers a number of volunteering opportunities throughout the county, including: Survey work, help with events, Education and Gardening help
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Soil AssociationPromotes organic principles. Runs certification scheme for growers and suppliers. |
Stroud community Seed BankInspiring community project of 'seed guardians. Stroud |
Suffolk Herbs/kings seedsOrganic vegetable seeds. |
The Good Tree Co.Deal with all aspects of tree maintenance |
The Natural GardenerShropshire organic gardening service, offering garden maintenance, vegetable growing and wildlife gardening. |
The Permaculture AssociationInformation, events and news |
The Sensory TrustPromotes inclusive landscape design and equality of access.
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The Solar CentreGreat range of solar lights for home and garden |
The Vegetable Seed Store (Jungle Seeds)Heritage and exotic seeds |
Wiggly WigglersFor worm bins and accessories, plus all sorts of gardening products, seeds and plants |