Helping gardeners learn to support their garden using natural, sustainable & free resources.
I am just about to reach a huge milestone for my YouTube channel: 1000 subscribers!!
How awesome is that 🎉🥳
I am very chuffed to be this close, and I'm very grateful to everyone who has subscribed and who shows that they love the channel and my videos.
You guys are amazing people 🥰
Have you seen my YouTube channel,
Gardening Naturally with Green FingerTips 🌿🌼
Check out the link in the comments & my page bio or search Google or YouTube, I'm there you will find me ☺️ xx
September is your last chance to see many of the UK’s common bumblebees ⚠️
This month, many bumblebee nests will naturally come to an end and new queens will settle down to hibernate over the winter 👑💤
👑 Bumblebee queens begin to emerge from hibernation in spring, when rising temperatures and longer days awaken them from their winter snooze in the soil.
💤 When a queen first emerges, she spends some time resting in order to wake up properly.
🌷 Once fully awake she feeds on flowers to gain energy.
🏠 Then begins the search for a suitable nest site: holes in the ground, long grass, bird boxes and beneath garden sheds.
🌼 Having chosen her nest site, the queen will feed on more flowers and lay her first batch of eggs.
🐛 Little white larvae hatch, feed on collected pollen, and then develop into adult workers.
💼 These smaller females carry out work inside and outside the nest.
👑 Queens remain inside the nest, laying more eggs for the next batch of workers.
🚹 Towards the end of a nest, males are produced and leave. They do not collect pollen. Instead, they spend their time feeding on nectar and trying to mate with queens from other nests.
🔋 Once mated, new queens feed heavily on pollen and nectar, storing the energy as fat inside their bodies to provide energy during a long hibernation.
🍂 The old queen and her nest will naturally come to an end as summer turns into autumn. Only the new queens survive until the following spring by hibernating underground.
What bumblebees have you spotted this summer?
🆘 The UK's bumblebees are in crisis. Donate today 👉 https://ow.ly/pCR150T7kGm
As soon as you use poisons ☠️ in your yard you destroy this healthy ecosystem.
You are doing it all wrong. Here's the right way to prune lavender so you get big blooms every year. 🌿 (In comments)
What you need to feed your garden in the autumn and winter months.
As much as your garden moves into dormancy this time of year. It's time for bed. Your plants will still be ticking over and will need some sort of food to keep healthy and get ready for spring.
Thank you for watching xx
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About this video: In this week's Natural Gardening Live I'm talking about what you need to feed your garden in the autumn and winter months.As much as your g...
Great photograph! ❤️
Who’s in? 🐝 🦋 🐞 🌱 🐸 🐦 🌸
Have you seen my YouTube channel,
Gardening Naturally with Green FingerTips 🌿🌼
A verdant oasis where Green FingerTips unite! 🌱 Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just dipping your fingers into the soil, this channel is your gateway to sustainable, natural gardening wisdom.
🌿 All about nurturing your garden using free, earth-friendly resources. No chemical overload here—just good ol’ natural know-how!
Link in comments & bio or search Google or YouTube xx
https://youtu.be/T3rb9UU11_A?si=IHG1MuGJZUv6T19V
We have just under 1 month until Autumn! Not wishing the year away but there is alot you can be doing to help support your garden as we head in to Autumn, wi...
Supporting the ecosystem of your garden can create a thriving, biodiverse environment. This environment becomes, over time, self sufficient and thriving.
With a thriving garden ecosystem you will grow a more healthy vibrant and low maintenance garden, reducing cost and time spent on it and reducing your reliance on chemical supplements and pesticides.
Does that sound good? 👍 😊
Here are five effective ways to help support the ecosystem of your garden and grow the benefits it can offer.
🌿🌼 Plant Native Species
Native plants are adapted to your local climate and soil, making them easier to maintain and beneficial for local wildlife. They provide food and habitat for native insects, birds, and other animals.
💦 Create a Water Source
Adding a pond or birdbath can attract a variety of wildlife, including birds, amphibians, and beneficial insects. Ensure the water source is safe and accessible for different species.
🧪⚗️ Avoid Chemical Pesticides and Herbicides
These chemicals can harm beneficial insects and other wildlife. Instead, use natural alternatives and introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to control pests
🎥 I have videos on making your own natural pest treatment and plant feeds on my YouTube channel - you can find the link in my bio in my link tree.
Please feel free to check it out and subscribe if you find it useful 😁
🌱 Compost and Mulch
Composting kitchen scraps and garden waste enriches the soil with nutrients, promoting healthy plant growth. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure.
These methods of adding organic matter to your garden will also support soil bourn beneficial insects helping to maintain a healthy soil ecosystem (yes there is a soil ecosystem as well).
🛖 Provide Shelter and Nesting Sites
Install birdhouses, bat boxes, and insect hotels to offer shelter and nesting sites for various species.
Planting dense shrubs and trees can also provide natural habitats Gor small mammals, birds and insects.
🪲🐝🐦🐁
These guys will help manage pests in your garden, reduce damage and pollinate your plants, all very important jobs to have.
If you provide homes for them in your garden they will stay, nest, and get to work.
By implementing these practices, you can create a garden that supports a diverse and healthy ecosystem saving you time and money when it comes to garden care and will create a healthy, vibrant self sufficient garden for you to enjoy.
🌿🐝🦋
📚📖📗 To learn more about how you can support your gardens ecosystem, check out my book Grow & Support Your Garden Naturally available to purchase from Amazon.
📒📖
Link will be in my bio, in my link tree.
Xx
Be a sunflower in a field of wildflowers 🌻
Eggshells 🥚 are surprisingly versatile in the garden, and they’re like tiny, nutrient-packed treasures waiting to be put to good use.
Here are just a few ways to use them in your garden.
Seed Starting Pots 🌱
Remember as a childhood when we'd grow cress in eggshells? Well, you can do the same with other seeds!
Fill cleaned eggshells with a seed compost or well sived multipurpose compost, sow your seeds of choice, and watch them sprout.
Once the seedlings are ready, gently crack the shells or remove the seedlings and transplant them. It’s a free way to kickstart your .
Organic Fertilizer Boost 🌿
Eggshells are more than just a breakfast byproduct. They’re about 95% calcium carbonate, with a dash of phosphorus, magnesium, and other trace nutrients.
Crushed eggshells can be sprinkled around plants as an organic fertilizer.
The calcium helps strengthen cell walls, prevents blossom end rot (a tomato gardener’s nightmare), and supports overall plant health.
Simply grind those shells up and sprinkle them around your garden beds.
Soil pH Balancing Act 🌎
If your soil tends to be acidic, eggshells can help.
Crushed eggshells act as a natural pH buffer, gradually raising soil pH.
This is especially beneficial for plants that prefer slightly alkaline conditions.
Scatter the crushed shells around acid-loving plants like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
Pest Deterrent 🐌
Those slimy garden intruders, slugs and snails, aren’t fans of sharp edges
Crushed eggshells create a barrier that they find uncomfortable to crawl over.
Sprinkle the shells around vulnerable plants, and watch those pests reconsider their life choices.
Plus, it’s a safe and organic method—no harmful chemicals involved!
That's what we like to see ☺️👍
Composting Champions ♻️
Eggshells are compost gold. They break down slowly, but when they do, they release valuable nutrients into your compost heap.
Rinse the shells, let them dry, and then crush them into smaller pieces. Toss them into your compost bin along with other kitchen scraps. The worms and microbes will work their magic, turning eggshells into nutrient-rich soil.
Remember, when using eggshells, it’s essential to crush them well, the smaller the pieces the faster they break down releasing all their nutrients.
Whether you’re nurturing seedlings, boosting soil health, or deterring pests, those little shells have big potential in your garden! 🌼
To learn more about the wonders of eggshells for your garden along with a myriad of different natural plants feeding options, grab your copy of my new book 'Superfoods For Your Garden' available to purchase from Amazon.
Click the link in my bio, cover picture or search for the title on Amazon.
Xx
Tired Bees Who Fell Asleep Inside Flowers
If you've bought a copy of my new book, Superfoods For Your Garden, thank you ♥️🙏 I appreciate every purchases made.
If you have, please take a moment to leave a review on Amazon.
Reviews will help Amazon direct my book to others who will love it as well.
It only takes a moment and doesn't need to be an essay but it is greatly appreciated.
If you haven't bought your copy yet or would like to leave a review, click the link below or search the title on Amazon.
Much appreciated
Xx
Unearth the secrets to creating nutrient-rich organic fertilizers from treasures found in your kitchen, garden and beyond. Give your plants all the nutrients they need to thrive for a happy and healthy garden. My Book Superfoods For Your Garden, will help to reveal the hidden language of your lea...
Late summer is a critical time for gardeners to ensure their plants stay healthy and productive as we transition into cooler months.
Proper nutrients during this period can significantly impact your garden’s performance.
Let’s dive into some best practices for feeding your garden in late summer:
Understand Plant Needs.
Different plants have varying nutrient requirements. For example, flowering plants may need a fertilizer with higher phosphorus content to promote blooms, while leafy greens benefit more from nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
It is a good idea to watch for the change in their needs as plants shift focus from growth to preparing for fall.
Organic Fertilizers for late summer.
Organic options are excellent for late summer feeds. They release nutrients slowly, providing a steady supply over time.
Compost, Rich in organic matter.
Compost improves soil structure and supports overall plant health. Helps drainage as the weather tends to get wetter in autumn and winter and will also help to retain moisture if we get Alan extended summer.
Well-Rotted Manure.
A classic choice, manure enriches the soil naturally.
Bone Meal: High in phosphorus, bone meal encourages root development and flowering, but will also help to set your plant up for autumn.
Slow-Release Fertilizers.
These gradually release nutrients over weeks or months, ensuring consistent supply without risking over-fertilization. Slow-release options are crucial for maintaining plant health during the transition into fall.
To learn how to make your own slow release organic plant food grab your copy of my new book, Superfoods For Your Garden available from Amazon.
Bonus Tip for reading all that!
Seaweed Fertilizer.
If you live near the sea, consider making seaweed fertilizer.
Harvest seaweed, rinse off the salt, and soak it in water for a couple of weeks. The resulting liquid can be diluted and used to nourish your plants.
High nitrogen and potassium but also a range of micronutrients which will help to support your plants all year long.
Xx
Link to my new book Superfoods For Your Garden will be in my bio and in the comments.
Ventnor
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It's #worldbeeday 2024 today!! Let's celebrate by sharing how you support our busy little buzzing friends in your garden. 🐝🌸🐝🌺🐝🌼🐝🌻🐝🏵️🪻🐝🪷🐝 Share in the comments 👇👇👇💛🖤💛 #naturelovers #beekeeping #beesofinstagram #wildlife #polinators #organicgardening #gardening #gardeningtips #youtubechannel #youtubers
It's national composting week! 5th-11th May 2024. So on the theme for this special week, I thought I would shed some light on the different composting option you have to recycle your kitchen and garden waste into some Superfoods for your garden, (coincidentally that's the name of my new book, available to purchase from Amazon 😏😉) Link in comments or search Amazon to purchase. Now, there are several different types of compost bins available, each with its own benefits. Here are some common types of compost bins, Traditional Compost Bin These bins are usually made of plastic, wood, or metal and come in various sizes. They often have a lid and proper ventilation to help speed up the composting process. Tumbler Compost Bin These bins are designed to be easily turned or tumbled, which helps aerate the compost and speed up decomposition. They are great for small spaces and for people who have mobility issues. Worm Composting Bin (Vermicomposting These bins use worms to break down organic matter into nutrient-rich compost. They are usually smaller in size and require specific types of worms, like red worms or tiger worms. DIY Compost Bin If you're feeling crafty, you can make your own compost bin using pallets, rubbish bins, or even old barrels. DIY compost bins can be customized to suit your space and needs. Indoor Compost Bin These bins are specially designed for indoor use and are usually compact and odor-resistant. They can be a great solution for composting kitchen scraps without having to go outside. Bokashi Compost Bin This method uses fermented organic material to create compost quickly. Bokashi bins are airtight and can even compost meat and dairy products, which are not typically recommended for traditional composting. In-Ground Compost Bin Instead of a traditional bin, you can simply dig a hole in your garden and bury compostable materials directly into the ground. This method is convenient and natural, as it allows worms and microorgan
Sweetpea pruning for lots more flowers! #naturefriendlygardening #gardengoals #gardening #naturelover #sweetpeas
Stinging nettles are a super plant when it comes to natural support for your plants and the insects and wildlife who call your garden their home. Stinging nettles are a great source of nutrients and minerals, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and iron, which can help improve soil condition and nutrients it holds, providing food for your plants. Nettles also support the soil ecosystem and attract beneficial insects like ladybirds which can act as protectors for your plants, feeding on small insects such as aphids which can cause some serious damage to our plants over the growing season. Additionally, when used as a compost conditioner or liquid fertilizer, stinging nettles can promote healthy plant growth and improve overall soil health. For more on this amazing 'weed' grab your copy of my New book 📚 Superfoods For Your Garden available to purchase from Amazon. I will post the link in the comments. Xx
My new book 'Superfoods For Your Garden' will be available to grab your copy very soon. Unearth the secrets to creating nutrient-rich organic fertilizers from treasures found in your kitchen, garden and beyond. Give your plants all the nutrients they need to thrive for a happy and healthy garden. Follow me to learn more. Xx . . . . . . . . . #naturefriendlygardening #naturefriendlygarden #sustainablelivingtips #naturalremedies #gardengoals #natureconnection #natureinspired #gardening #organicgardening #author #nature #naturelover #organicfarming #EcoFriendly #ecofriendlyliving #organicfood
Only 5 weeks until the clocks Spring forward ⏩🌅☺️👏
5 weeks until the clocks spring forward! ⏩☀️🌅💚🌿🌱🌸🌻🌼🌺🪻💐🏵️ Oh yeh and just a bit less than 5 weeks until my new book 'Superfoods For Your Garden' is released!! It's getting very close now and I'm very excited ☺️ I can't wait to see what you all think and await the reviews on Amazon with bated breath. Are you looking forward to a little bit more daylight, longer days shorter nights and all that? Are you looking forward to grabbing your copy of my new book? Yes! Well not long to go now 😁🌅📚📖👍 Stay tuned to find out more. Xx
Homemade organic plant fertilizer offers a number of benefits for you and your garden. For example. Making your own plant food can be a more affordable option compared to purchasing synthetic or commercially produced fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are typically made from natural materials, food waste and natural resources. This will reduce the environmental impact associated with synthetic chemical products. Nutrient-rich. Homemade fertilizers can provide a range of essential nutrients that promote healthy plant growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Organic fertilizers can also improve soil structure and the nutrients the soil holds, leading to better water retention and aeration and a healthier soil ecosystem. Homemade organic fertilizers minimize exposure to potentially harmful synthetic chemicals, creating a safer environment for your family, pets, plants, wildlife and gardeners. It is much easier than you might think to make your own organic fertilizers for your garden. In my new book 'Superfoods for your garden' I have included some of my favourite go to and easy, homemade organic plant food recipes you can make for your garden this spring. Superfoods For Your Garden will be ready to order from the 29th March available from Amazon. Follow me to stay in the loop. Xx . . . . . . . . . . #naturefriendlygardening #naturefriendlygarden #sustainablelivingtips #naturalremedies #natureinspired #gardening #organicgardening #naturelover #gardeninspiration #gardeners #organicgarden #gardenlife #gardenlove #gardengoals
Homemade organic plant fertilizer can be made from a variety of natural ingredients, such as compost, manure, coffee grounds, eggshells, and vegetable scraps. These materials provide essential nutrients that can benefit plant growth and overall soil health. Materials like crushed eggshells can provide calcium to the soil, while coffee grounds offer nitrogen. These homemade fertilizers offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective method for providing nutrients to plants while avoiding the use of synthetic supplements and feeds. In my new book 'Superfoods For Your Garden' (available to purchase from 29th March) I talk about all of this in greater detail, with my favourite easy to make natural plant food recipes and methods of feeding your garden with natural, free, and easily accessible resources which can be found in your garden. Follow me to keep in the loop and grab your copy as soon as it's released. #watchthisspace Xx . . . . . . . . . . #naturefriendlygardening #naturefriendlygarden #sustainablelivingtips #naturalremedies #gardening #organicgardening #naturelover #gardeninspiration #gardeners #gardenlife #gardeninspo #nature #NatureInspired #organicvegetables #organicgardeningtips #organicgarden
Companion planting is a great way to maximize the health and productivity of your garden. By using specific plants to support and even protect your garden you can create an environment that will reduce the need for chemical supplements and pesticides. #lifegoals Some common companion planting combinations include planting basil next to tomatoes to improve growth and attract beneficial insects, or planting marigolds near vegetables to encourage natural predictors of pests that can cause damage to your veg patch and the colours and scent can also deter pests. To learn more about companion planting and how it can support your garden and reduce the need for chemical supplement and pesticides grab your copy of my book, 'Grow & Support Your Garden Naturally' available to purchase from Amazon. Link in comments. Xx . . . . . . . . . . . . #naturefriendlygardening #naturefriendlygarden #sustainablelivingtips #gardenbirdsuk #gardencaretips #GardenCare #seasonschange #gardenbirds #natureconnection #naturelovers #gardeninspiration #gardenlife #nature
February can be a good time to start sowing seeds ready for spring kick-off 🌱🌿🌾 Early varieties of vegetables such as broad beans, carrots, onions, lettuce, and peas can be grown inside under cover or out in the soil. Early varieties of fruit and vegetables can handle colder, wintery conditions and can germinate in cooler soil temperatures. You can also start sowing some flower seeds indoors, such as petunias, pansy's, violas and geraniums, to get a head start before the warmer weather arrives. Sowing seeds early will help to break up the time between winter and spring 🌼🌱 This will also provide a little motivation and a much needed good mood boost after all the rain and stormy weather we've seen recently. Happy gardening! Xx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #naturefriendlygardening #naturefriendlygarden #sustainablelivingtips #gardenbirdsuk #gardencaretips #GardenCare #seasonschange #gardenbirds #natureconnection #naturelovers
Preparing your spring garden in the winter. There are several tasks you can do in the winter to get your garden ready for the spring. This will also help motivate your garden spirit to crack on when the weather changes in our favour ☺️ Prepare the soil. If the ground is not frozen, you can work on improving the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will help provide nutrients for your plants in the spring. Apply as a mulch or dig into thawed soil. Ensure your garden is not waterlogged before digging as this will effect the condition of the soil and compact it when the water drains. Not great for new roots to grow through. Plan your garden layout. Use the winter months to plan out what you want to plant in the spring. Consider crop rotation, companion planting, and space needed for each type of plant. This is my favourite job, I can be creative and imaginative whilst looking forward to seeing the garden grow. Start seeds indoors. Some plants can be started from seeds indoors in the winter, giving them a head start for the spring growing season. Make sure to provide adequate light and warmth for your seedlings. I start a lot of my seeds in my heated propagator or on the kitchen windowsill. This gives them a good head start and makes room for secession grow in the spring. These are a few simple ideas but they can have a huge impact on your garden as we leave winter and move ever closer to spring 🌼🌱🌿🏵️🌸 To learn more about winter and spring garden care, helping to create a garden that will support nature and promote the use of nature resources in your garden, check out my YouTube channel, Gardening Naturally With Green FingerTips or pick up your copy of my book 'Grow & Support Your Garden Naturally' available to purchase from Amazon. Links in the comments. Xx . . . . . . . . . . . . . #naturefriendlygardening #naturefriendlygarden #sustainablelivingtips #gardenbirdsuk #gardencare #seasonschange #gard
In the cold of winter, garden birds need help finding enough food. The cold Zappa Thier energy, burns calories faster and can make them vulnerable to the cold. Filling your bird feeders with a high-energy feed is crucial in the winter months and this typically consists of seeds, nuts, suet, mealworms and dried fruits. Additionally, providing a clean water source for drinking and bathing will also help to attract and support a diverse range of bird species in your garden. As much as they need our support, we also need garden birds as a hey part of our garden ecosystem. Birds play a big role in pest and disease control, spreading seed and managing weeds. To learn more about how wild birds can help support your garden, check out my YouTube channel, Gardening Naturally With Green FingerTips' or grab your copy of my book Grow and support your garden naturally available to purchase from Amazon. All links will be in the comments ☺️👍 Xx
In heavy frost, it's important to protect your garden and plants to prevent damage, but frost can also help to control pest and disease damage in your garden. Here are a few tips for garden care in heavy frost: Cover sensitive plants. Use cloths, Hessian sacking, or frost fleece to cover sensitive plants and provide insulation against the cold. Mulch. Apply a 1-2" layer of mulch around the base of plants to help retain soil moisture, heat and provide some insulation to protect them as the temperature gets colder. Protect potted plants. If you have potted plants, consider bringing them indoors or placing them in a sheltered area to protect them from the frost and snow. The cold weather is important to check the population of insects living in the garden, unfortunately this includes beneficial insects. But to ensure the pests that can cause damage to your plants don't start off spring in full form, frost and cold winters are essential to the process. Support beneficial insects by leaving long grass or undergrowth for food and shelter. Leave logs or stones piled to create shelter and insulation from the cold. Insect hotels, bee boxes or a bunch of bamboo tied up and left in the corner can make for a great home for beneficial insects over the winter as well. Remember to check the specific needs of your plants, as some may require different care during frost. To learn more about supporting your garden over the winter, check out my YouTube channel Gardening Naturally With Green FingerTips. Link in comments. Xx
Boost your garden's growth with this organic and free liquid feed. #gardeners #gardenersofinstagram #gardeningtips #organicgardening #gardening #fertilizer #gardencare #organic #bananas #plantfood
National pest control 🌱☺️🌿 #organicgardening #naturefriendlygardening #gardening #gardeners
#naturefriendlygarden #gardencaretips #gardeningtips #organicgardening #gardeninspiration
