Nettles & Petals

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, AND SHARING



Timing is Everything
Canning, Freezing, Drying, Fermenting
Why Grow Heirloom?
Simple Seed Saving
Sharing Surplus Produce

CONCLUSION
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