Earthly Comforts Latest Posts …
Benefits of Using Pine Needle Mulch in Blueberry Orchard Soil
On Plot 17, we have a Blueberry Orchard with ten fruit bushes.
Promoting Biodiversity: Creating a Butterfly Haven
I have discussed in previous content how to attract insects, bees and birds to your garden; however, now l will discuss butterflies.
The Gardener’s 6 Day Diary
The Gardener’s 6 Day Diary series illustrates the varied tasks a professional gardener faces each week in the Town of Sandwich, Kent, UK. Adapting to unpredictable weather, the gardener maintains around 20 gardens, tackling diverse chores from weeding to planting, and documenting transformations through photographs, emphasizing the unique demands of long-term maintenance.
The Gardening Journey: From Idea to Successful Business
The journey of the Earthly Comforts gardening business began in 2022 with a moment of inspiration and grew through self-discovery and skills development in 2023. Looking toward a challenging 2024, there are plans for expansion, improved branding, a stronger client base, and the recruitment of new gardeners for future success.
September Published Content Round Up
The August 2024 content roundup highlights various gardening topics, including natural pest control methods with plants like chrysanthemums, basil, and mint. It also covers beneficial companion planting strategies and the ecological roles of plants like clover and ribwort plantain, along with practical tips for enhancing garden health and biodiversity.
Versatile Uses of Bark Chippings: Pathways, Composting, and Mulching
I have become more aware of bark chippings as an ingredient or substrate over the last few years especially,
Healthy Leaf Composting: Tips for Awkward Leaves and Stems
Can you compost awkward leaves and stems?
A Heartfelt Journey: Family, Travel, and Loss
Suze’s family is returning to Australia after a brief reunion in the UK, leaving her heartbroken due to her health struggles and inability to travel. Her daughter’s decision, driven by her own challenges, has resulted in the loss of daily contact and the departure of their pets. Today is particularly difficult for Suze.
Ask the Gardener
The author explains their busy work schedule, detailing that weekends are rare due to family dramas and weather disruptions. They manage 30 clients, accommodating their needs while also addressing personal fatigue and health issues, including arthritis. Despite challenges, they remain dedicated to their gardening work and client satisfaction.
Charming Moorhens in Sandwich: A Unique Avian Species
The Wildlifer Moorhen, Common Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhens in a variety of poses. Like most towns, Sandwich has its fair share of avian species – to the layperson – birds. Not all towns have ducks and moorhens, though. Sandwich, however, does because there is quite a bit of water here. It has the River Stour,…
Enhancing Garden Ecosystems: Eco-Friendly Slug and Snail Management
I am often asked what advice l can give gardeners regarding invasions of slugs and snails and how to stop them naturally. This is always a tricky question with never an easy answer.
6 Days a Gardener
The ‘6 Days a Gardener’ series offers insights into the life of a professional gardener, emphasizing adaptability and varied tasks due to changing weather and client needs. With thirty-five clients and a blend of maintenance categories, the gardener shares weekly experiences, showcasing long-term garden work through visuals and narratives, fostering appreciation for gardening’s complexities.
Ask the Gardener
The author discusses their passion for gardening, noting that despite working six days a week for clients, they do not feel they garden too much. Gardening provides personal satisfaction and a sense of control that differs from professional work. Their allotment challenges promote growth and fitness, enhancing joy in both personal and professional gardening.
The Role of Slugs in Compost Piles: Beneficial Decomposers or Unwanted Pests?
The opinions shared here are based upon my own experiences working with compost and may not be shared by all.
Are Slugs in my Compost a Problem?
Maximizing Garden Biodiversity: Practical Ways to Attract and Support Insect Life
How can we encourage more insects to visit our gardens?
Despite people’s negative attitudes towards insects, they are highly beneficial to keep the balance of a healthy garden intact.
Transitioning to Perennial Crops: A Time-Saving Strategy
In 2025, Suze and I are reshaping Plot 17 for efficiency due to demanding careers, shifting focus towards 65-70% perennial crops to minimize maintenance time. Improved watering systems and soil quality will enhance productivity. The new layout aims for effective water management while ensuring we enjoy our allotment work without overextension.
Discovering the Charms of Starlings: A Guide to Sturnidae Garden Visits
Starlings, known for their gregarious behavior, visit the garden for suet and water. They change color in winter and have a varied diet. Their decline since the 1980s requires conservation efforts. While beneficial for controlling pests, large flocks can damage crops. Predators include larger birds, owls, and domestic cats.
Stellaria Media: A Versatile and Beneficial Weed for Your Garden
Chickweed, often viewed as a nuisance weed, actually has beneficial qualities. It indicates soil health, serves as a food source for birds and insects, and is versatile for human consumption. It can be used in salads, cooked dishes, and even for making tea. In ancient times, it was valued for its medicinal properties.
Revitalizing Allotment Soil for 2025
The author reflects on their allotment plot’s recent challenges and plans for the upcoming seasons. With limited time to work, they aim to improve soil quality by introducing Deep-Growing Compost Boxes. Despite struggles, they will expand their crop variety for 2025, focusing on sustainability and perennials, while preparing for the winter break.
Understanding Actinomycetes in Compost: Fungi Lookalike Explained
The opinions shared here are based upon my own experiences working with compost and may not be shared by all.
What’s the white stuff in my compost?
Ask the Gardener
My clients often ask me questions about myself, my working practices, my gardening style and so on. Questions asked and answered What skills, talents or traits should a gardener possess? My work is fueled by a deep-rooted passion, followed closely by an unwavering enthusiasm and a thirst for continuous learning. Next up would be personality—we…
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) and Catmint: Perfect Companion Plantings for Your Garden
Catnip, also known as “mint,” is available in various forms like leaves and flowers. It is associated with Earthly Comfort Designs on the Redbubble store, featuring collections like Earthen Wurmin, Inspired By Nature, and The Autistic Composter. Browse the store for more.
Dock Leaves: A Natural Solution for Nettle Stings and Wildlife Gardens
Dock leaves, known for their soothing properties for nettle stings, evoke nostalgia for a woodland environment. They can also be eaten and are popular with butterflies and other insects. However, they can be challenging to control due to their deep taproots and prolific seed production. They thrive in poor soil and are valued in wildlife…
Banana Revealed: Origins, Nutritional Value, and Surprising Facts
I have written several times about the magical properties of the beautiful banana, albeit perhaps only about hacks or composting, so it’ll be a pleasure to write about this yellow beauty in more detail.
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) – Benefits for Wildlife Gardens and Companion Planting
Agrimony, also known as common agrimony, is a perennial herb with charming upright yellow and spiky flowers. It attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and can be grown in wildlife gardens or in the wild. Agrimony prefers well-drained ground, and while it requires little maintenance, it may be prone to root rot and powdery mildew.
Red Breasted Robin: Charming Garden Visitor and National Bird of Britain
The Red Breasted Robin, also known as Erithacus rubecula, holds a special place in the author’s heart. They have a strong bond with these birds and observe their behavior closely. The article provides insights into the robin’s characteristics, feeding habits, breeding patterns, and their resilience in the face of challenges.
The Blackbird (Turdus merula): Facts, Habits, and Nesting Behavior
The blackbird, also known as Turdus merula, is a popular British bird species known for its sweet, melodic song. Males are black with an orangey yellow beak, while females are brown. They are omnivorous and serve as helpful garden companions by foraging for insects and worms. Blackbirds are known as mates for life and have…
Practical Tips for Deterring Rats in Gardens: Organic and Sustainable Approaches
Over the years, l have experienced problems with rats in gardens. As a species, they are not something that bothers me.
August Published Content Round Up
The August 2024 content posts include topics like efficient composting, gardening challenges and innovations, plant varieties like rosemary, dandelion, and nettles, as well as tips for natural pest control. Additionally, the collection “Earthly Comforts” inspired by nature is featured.
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| “To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves. Mahatma Gandhi |
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