Nasturtiums are a vibrant and versatile addition to any garden, offering beauty, benefits for pollinators, and edible delights. Their bright red, orange, and yellow blooms attract bees and ladybirds while deterring pests like aphids. Easy to grow from seed, they thrive in poor soil and require little maintenance. Both the flowers and leaves add a peppery kick to salads, while the seeds can be used as a spicy seasoning. Join our Gardening Club WhatsApp group to sow nasturtiums, share tips, and enjoy a bountiful harvest together. Sign up today and bring colour, flavour, and biodiversity to your garden!
Category Archives: Gardening
Join Our Gardening Club: Gardening Activities for March
Looking to deepen your gardening skills, grow your own food, or connect with others passionate about sustainability? Join our Gardening Club! We meet every Wednesday and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM to explore everything from composting and propagation to companion planting and no-dig gardening. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, our site leaders will guide you through eco-friendly practices, irrigation methods, and sustainable gardening techniques. Sign up today and become part of a vibrant community, share tips, and enjoy hands-on learning in a fun and welcoming environment. Let’s grow together!
Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
Reusing materials There are so many ways you can help contribute to Meadow Orchard Project. One super easy way is to save materials which can be reused in the garden. Cardboard toilet roll tubes and kitchen roll tubes make great flowerpots or root trainers for potting on seedlings and germinating broad beans. Brown corrugated cardboard,Continue reading “Reduce, Reuse & Recycle”
Wood fires and the dangers of wood smoke
The benefits of wood fires Sharing an open fire can foster connection, relaxation, and conversation. It can help create a calm atmosphere, evoke nostalgia, and enhance social experiences. The fire serves as a focal point for storytelling, music, drumming, song or games, adding to the enjoyment and potentially making the gathering more memorable and meaningful.Continue reading “Wood fires and the dangers of wood smoke”
Growing Tomatoes, Chilies, and Herbs: Fresh Salsa Ingredients
This season, we’re growing a variety of salsa ingredients in our Community Garden, including plum tomatoes, basil, sweet peppers, coriander, chili peppers, and onions. To ensure the best harvest, sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors when the soil warms. Use well-draining soil and keep plants in a sunny spot. Basil and tomatoes thrive in warmth, while coriander and onions prefer cooler conditions. Start your seeds in small pots or trays with drainage and watch your garden flourish with vibrant, homegrown ingredients perfect for fresh salsa all season long!
Join Our Gardening Club: Hands-On Wednesdays and Saturdays
Looking to deepen your gardening skills, grow your own food, or connect with others passionate about sustainability? Join our Gardening Club! We meet every Wednesday and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM to explore everything from composting and propagation to companion planting and no-dig gardening. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, our site leaders will guide you through eco-friendly practices, irrigation methods, and sustainable gardening techniques. Sign up today and become part of a vibrant community, share tips, and enjoy hands-on learning in a fun and welcoming environment. Let’s grow together!
A Guide to Open Fires: Choosing the Right Fire Lay
A Guide to Open Fires: Choosing the Right Fire Lay
When building an open fire, selecting the right fire lay is crucial. Here are four popular types: Teepee, Pyramid, Lean-to, and Log Cabin. The Teepee method is ideal for quick, hot fires, while the Pyramid provides a steady, controlled burn. The Lean-to is great for windy conditions, and the Log Cabin ensures a long-lasting fire. Each method has its unique benefits depending on your environment and available materials. Consider factors like kindling, fuel wood, and airflow to maximize fire efficiency. Experimenting with these fire lays will help you optimize your open fire for cooking, warmth, and more.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start a Fire in our Fire Pit
In our previous post, we discussed the Fire Triangle—Heat, Oxygen, and Fuel. To make fire in practice, you need tinder, kindling, and firewood. Tinder is dry, small materials (wood shavings, grass, or paper) that catch fire easily. Kindling consists of small twigs or sticks that help the fire grow once the tinder ignites. Firewood (larger branches) keeps the fire burning. Remember, splitting wood can be satisfying, but smaller wood burns faster. Choose the right wood size depending on your fire’s purpose, and ensure a good supply of tinder and kindling to keep the flames alive.
March’25 General Meeting
Our next General Meeting is currently scheduled for Saturday 15th March from 12.30 – 2.00pm (Timings TBC) in the Roundhouse at the Meadow Orchard Project. Please check back on this page for the Agenda and further details as we update this page.
Easy Roasted Pumpkin Soup: Warm & creamy comfort food
This roasted pumpkin soup recipe is a comforting, flavourful dish perfect for lunch or dinner. Begin by roasting a Crown Prince pumpkin with onions, carrots, and garlic, seasoned with nutmeg, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Once tender, combine the vegetables with vegetable stock and simmer to meld the flavors. Blend the mixture until smooth, then serve with a swirl of cream or coconut cream. Garnish with pan-fried pumpkin seeds and fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavour. This warm, creamy soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or sandwiches, making it an ideal meal for any season.
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